Middle Ages Germanic Invasions Rise of the Church The Pope Charles Martel Charlemagne Invaders In Europe Vikings William the Conqueror European Feudalism Lords/Vassals Knights Serfs Manors Feudal Pyramid
Period from about , also known as the medieval period First half from is known as the Early Middle Ages, or the Dark Ages- period of intellectual decline after the fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD). Had its roots in: Rome, the Roman Catholic Church, and customs of Germanic tribes (northern Europe).
Germanic tribes in Northern Europe such as the Goths begin sacking and pillaging cities after the Fall of Rome. Disrupts Trade (No ideas being spread) Downfall of Cities (little administration) Population becomes rural Loss of Latin language; Germans mix it with own languages and form hybrids we still see today.
What do people do? RCC provided order and security during invasions after governments became weak. Structure of government changes Church becomes most powerful political force in Middle Ages Monks in monasteries - education
Pope = leader of RCC – becomes a political force with great power over people. What happens if you disagree with the pope? Hierarchy – Pope Cardinal Bishop Priest People
Leader of the Franks (modern-day France) 732 Battle of Tours – Martel wins a victory that halts the Islamic advance and maintains Christianity in Western Europe rd8
“Charles the Great” - 6’4’’ tall – imposing guy. Unites parts of Western Europe, spreads Christianity Named emperor by the pope in 800 after putting down a mob Last strong King for a while
Muslims and Magyars invade and break down central authority. No clear rulers to stand up to the invaders. Power of kings fades; now any leader who can fight the invaders gained followers and political strength.
From Scandinavia – Northmen or Norsemen Warriors and Sailors, worshiped warlike gods and had names like Eric Bloodaxe and Thorfinn Skullsplitter. Used Warships to raid coastal towns Technological innovators – Viking Warships Leif Ericsson – reaches North America in c AD
From Normandy – northern France Problem of succession in England – who is going to be king? Conquers England in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings – Becomes ruler
With the invaders and conquerors inflicting fear on the people, they turn to local protection. Feudalism – exchanging land for service, labor, or military service. Essentially, someone with money and land is going to give it to another person. Then that person provides military support or other services in return.
Lord- a landowner who gives land (fief) to another person. That other person is a vassal = gets land, gives service. Lords and Vassals are a generic name (tissue) that will have more specific names (Kleenex). In Europe, the feudal structure looks like this : Kings -> Nobles -> Knights -> Serfs
Knights – mounted horsemen who defend lord’s lands in exchange for fiefs “Will work for land.” Knights were held in high honor in Europe. They lived by a code of chivalry – fight bravely for 3 things: his lord, God, and his lady
Mostly peasants – bound to the land they worked Not exactly slaves, though. Lords couldn’t sell or buy them. What they produce lord.
Manors – lord’s estate/house. Serfs lived and worked on the manor. In exchange, the lord gives them food and a place to live safely. Typically nobles – person of high rank by birth in society. Aristocracy
Manorialism – economic system for nobles and serfs Manor House Church Artisan’s shop Field of peasants working
Copy this one down somewhere in your notes – you’ll need to be familiar with this system.