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SSWH7 The student will analyze European medieval society with regard to culture, politics, society, and
economics.
a. Explain the manorial system and feudalism; include the status of peasants and feudal
monarchies and the importance of Charlemagne.
Feudalism
Charlemagne600 & 700’s, Frankish kings lost their power to the
chief officers of the king’s household = mayor’s of the palace
Pepin assumed the kingshipPepin’s son became king after his death in 768 =
son was Charles the Great – CharlemagneCharlemagne = one of history’s great kings/
curious, driven, intelligent, strong warrior, devout Christian/ was illiterate, but strongly supported learning
Ruled from 768 to 814/ Expanded the Frankish kingdom into Carolingian empire = covered much of western & central Europe
CharlemagneCharlemagne established missi dominci
(messengers of the lord king) two men who were sent to make for sure the kings wishes were followed
800, he was crowned emperor of the Romans/ the coronation symbolized the coming together of the Roman, Christian, & Germanic elements that forged European civilization
Carolingian Renaissance was promoted by Charlemagne desire to promote learning
Benedictine monks played important role in revival of learning
Fall of Carolingian empireCharlemagne died in 814/ by 844 Carolingian
empire divided into 3 kingdoms by grandsonsMuslims invaded southern FranceMagyars settled on the plains of Hungary
Vikings were superb warriors & shipbuilders/ famed dragon ships carrying about 50 men could go shallow rivers to attack inland
9th century, Vikings settled in Europe911, Frankish king gave Vikings land of
Normandy
Vikings (Norsemen of Scandinavia) attacked the empire
Invaders posed a threat to the safety of the people due to decentralized government
People began to turn landed aristocrats or nobles for protection/ led to feudalism
Feudalism arose between 800-900/ similar system in Japan- Samurai
Vassalage = center of feudalism/ came from Germanic society where warriors swore oath to their leader
Vassal = man who served a lord militarily
Feudalism
Feudalism: MilitaryService for Land
Knights = heavily armored warriorsMale = armor made of metal links or platesFrankish army initially set up foot soldiers in mailHeavily armored knights dominated warfare for
over 500 yearsKnights had great prestige & formed much of
European aristocracyEarly Middle Ages (500-1000) wealth was based on
owning land/very little tradeNobles gave a piece of land to vassals in exchange
for fighting = fief
Feudalism
Vassals had political authority in their fief/in charge of keeping order
Feudalism became complicated = kings had vassals who had vassals
Feudal contract = unwritten rules that characterized feudalism/relationship between king & vassal/knights for about 40-60 days a year
Vassals were to advise the lord, financial obligations to the lord, knighting of his eldest son,
Lord supported the vassal with land grant & protection in military & court
Feudalism
Feudal Obligations
Vassals:Military service for 40-60 days.Homage.Serve on the lord’s court.Gifts for weddings and knighthoods.Ransom.
Lords:Protection.Justice.Wardship – oversee personal affairs and family if vassal dies in service.
Castles = permanent residences & fortresses/#’s increased in high middle ages(1000-1300)
Middle Ages = nobles dominated European society/ main concern was warfare
Nobles = kings, dukes, counts, barons, bishops, archbishops
Knighthood = united lords & knights in aristocracyKnights = trained as warriors/ no adult
responsibilityYoung knights held tournaments to show their
skills/ joust became main attraction
Feudalism
11th & 12th century, under influence of Church- chivalry became important to knights
Chivalry = civilized behavior, knights were to defend the church & defenseless people, treat captives as honored guests, fight for glory not rewards
Women could own property, but were under control of men/ first their fathers, then their husbands
Lady of the castle in charge of household & estateEleanor of Aquitane = married to king Louis VII of
France & Henry II of England/ 2 children became kings of England
Feudalism
