World HistoryChapter 13C

The Age of Chivalry

Warriors on Horseback

• Charles Martel recognizes the value of cavalry from his battles with the Muslims

• Saddles and stirrups are introduced into Europe somewhere in the 700s

• This innovation allows knights to overcome foot soldiers and eventually dominate the battlefields of Europe

• By the 11th century, European landowners have created large armies. These armies consist of knights that are supported by the granting of fiefs

• A lord required a knight to be heavily armored and to give him about 40 days of military service a year

Knighthood and Chivalry

Knighthood and Chivalry

• Chivalry is a complex set of codes and obligations

• Knights had several loyalties:

1. He was devoted to his heavenly Lord

2. He owed allegiance to his earthly lord

3. He was devoted to his chosen lady

4. He was pledged to protect the weak and poor

War games develop in order for knights to seek glory

1. A knight gained experience fighting in local wars or in tournaments-mock battle

2. Knights could be captured in battle or tournaments and held for ransom

The Literature of Chivalry

• Epic poetry. These were stories about legendary heroes of the Middle Ages like King Arthur and Charlemagne were popular

• The Song of Roland is the most famous of these. It gave an idealized view of the actions of knights

• Troubadours were poet musicians who traveled throughout Europe going from noble home to king’s court

Song of Roland

The Shifting Role of Women

• The most powerful woman of her day was Eleanor of Aquitaine. She owned the powerful duchy of Aquitaine in France and she later became Queen of England

• As feudalism spread the status of women declined. Their roles were limited to the home and the convent

• Women could inherit an estate from their husband (rare). Most often the estate would be run by a male relative or even by a local priest or bishop

• The Church played a major role in the decline of women’s rights in the Middle Ages

Eleanor of Aquitaine

TA13D

Read Pages 370-373

Copy & Define Terms on page 373

Copy & Answer Questions 18, 19, & 20 on Page 374

Copy & Define the 6 Terms depicted on Page 366. The Terms are: Siege Tower, Mantlet,

Battering Ram, Trebuchet, Tortoise, Mangonel, and Caltops (on Page 364).