feudalism: a life of obligation medieval society
TRANSCRIPT
Feudalism:A Life of Obligation
Medieval Society
I. Invaders Attack Western Europe
A. The Vikings1. Originally from
Scandinavia2. Nicknames - “Eric
Bloodaxe”3. Quick raids
B. Magyars and Muslims1. Magyars
attacked from the East (Hungary); took captives as slaves;
2. Attacked villages and monasteries
3. Muslims from the South; expert seafarers 4. Plan to conquer and settle in Europe
THE POPE – Bishop of Rome, andthe head of the Roman Catholic Church. Claimed to have authorityover all Christians.Cardinals – Next level
of authority, and close advisors of both Pope and kings.
Archbishop – Oversawthe salvation of a piece of territory within WesternChristianity.
Bishop – oversaw the salvation of a territory within the Archbishops territory.
Priests – Oversaw the salvationof individuals in part of the Bishopsterritory.
Monks & Nuns – Separated from society, and dedicated themselves to prayer, learning, and piety.
Everyone else
Tools at the disposal of the Pope – Excommunication, Interdict, Declare you a heretic/enemy of Christianity
THE STRUCTURE OF THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH
Was the Pope the most powerful man in the Medieval world?
KING
KNIGHTS
PEASANTS
LORDS
Feudalism – Was a system of government based on obligation to people of “higher social status”
-NOT CENTRALIZED!
-CHIVALRY
-Feudalism was born out of a need for protection, as there was no-“government” to protect people from invasions.
- THREE TYPES OF PEOPLE- Nobility, Clergy, Peasants
-Lords vassals of King – Knights vassals of Lords – Peasants worked for -Lords – Lords protected the Peasants & Clergy – Clergy made sure everyone went to Heaven.
ManorialismEconomic side of Feudalism
Manor vs. Castle – A castle was a military structure, while a manor was the house of a great lord.
Castles do not become common until after the year 1000, as they wereexpensive to build and maintain.
Life on the Manor
Terms to Know:
-Three Field Crop Rotation- Fallow- Peasant vs. Serf- Fief- Village- Manor House
Peasants/serfs farmed the land, Lords ensured their safety and provided them a place to live, Localpriest ensured their salvation.
Peasants/serfs paid taxes/rent to Lord. Peasants/serfs and Lord paid taxes to Church (Tithe)
Church provided all social servicesto the village & Lord.
Keeping Order in the Middle Ages
Keeping order forthe more hardenedcriminal.