European Christendom, 500-1300

I. Eastern Christendom: Byzantine EmpireII. Western Christendom, 500-900III. Crisis & Technological Change, 850-1050IV. Western Xndom, 1050-1300

IDs: Hagia Sophia, vassal, Three Orders model, Normans

Argument

• The creation of a decentralized system of government, called feudalism or lordship, in western Christendom, was a logical result of needs for local defense, German/Viking warrior culture and the military dominance of mounted knights.

I. Eastern Christendom: Byzantine Empire

• Wealthier• More urban• Orthodox

Christianity• Greek

Church of the Hagia Sophia, Constantinople

Eastern Europe & Russia converted by missionaries from Constantinople Orthodox Christianity

Byzantine Empire bears brunt of defense against Muslim Armies: Protects Western Christendom

II. Western Xndom, 500-900

Early Middle AgesA. CharacteristicsrurallocalRoman (Catholic)

ChristianityLatin

B. Mix of 3 influences

1. Roman culture

2. Germanic culture

Warrior Aristocracy – most respected

Roughly egalitarian society“King” was a war leader His band were tied to him

by personal relationships & choice

Non-military decisions made by council

3. The Church

1. Strongest centralizing structure in Xndom

PriestsBishopsPope in Rome

2. Monasticism

MonasteriesMonks/nuns

Focus on converting Germanic kings, then people

C. Government: Germanic Kingdoms

Weak central authority of kings

Strong authority of local lords

D. Big Exception: Charlemagne’s Empire, c. 800

Charlemagne

Strong & successful war-leader

Personal charismaSupport of churchmen

and warriors

Pope crowns Charlemagne “Roman Emperor” on Christmas Day, 800

After his death, division & disintegration of his empire

III. Crisis & Technological Change, 850-1050

A. NewInvasions• Vikings• Muslims• Magyars

B. Viking Technology

Ships

Keelrudder

Viking Voyages: Plunder & Trade

Viking graffiti in the Church of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople

C. From Raiders to Settlers: “Normans”Charles, King of

West Frankland (later France)

Rollo, Viking Chief Duke of Normandy

912

Political Solution

• Give invaders land• Make their leader

acknowledge the overlordship of the king

• Convert them to Christianity

• Result: New warriors; new energy

• Normans rule in Normandy, England, Sicily & become important Crusaders

William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy) attacks England in 1066

Bayeux Tapestry

D. New Military Technologies, ca. 1000 1. The Castle

Peasants seek protection

• Local lord protects peasants from invaders

• Peasants become his serfs (bound to work his land) and give him produce & labor

2. The Stirrup

3. Mounted Knights

Human Tank

E. Agricultural Inventions, ca. 1000

• Horse collar• Heavy plow

Result: Agricultural Revolution

F. Result: Big Shift in Western Xndom ca. 1000

No more invasionsMore wealth from landTrade increasesPopulation increasesMore power to knights

2 results:System of Feudalism

(Lordship) expandsWestern Christendom

starts expanding outward (from invaded to invader)

IV. Western Xndom, 1050-1300“Medieval Europe”

A. Growth in power & influence of The Church, especially pope

B. Gov’t.: Medieval European Feudalism or Lordship (1100-1300)

Knights: Lord – vassal relationships

Lord gives vassal a fief (usually land) & protection.

Vassal gives lord military service & loyalty.

Vassal pledges homage to lord.

Knight becomes a local lord, & rules fief (manor & serfs)

C. Three Orders model

Those who prayclergy

Those who fightnobility

Those who workpeasants(everyone else)

Reality

Vassals often not loyalConstant warfareNo external enemyNobles & clergy take

agricultural surplus from serfs.

D. Chivalry: “Civilizing” knights

1st Stage – 1000-1150 – Military prowess & loyalty

2nd Stage – 1150-1300 – Courtly love

E. Expansion of Xndom

Argument

The creation of a decentralized system of government, called feudalism or lordship, in western Christendom, was a logical result of needs for local defense, German/Viking warrior culture and the military dominance of mounted knights.