Feudalism and the Manor System
Middle Ages – years between ancient & modern times Around AD AKA the medieval period Medieval stems from “middle ages” in Latin
The Roman Empire gave structure to Europe This structure dissolved when the Empire collapsed Reasons for its collapse? Collapse of the Roman Empire was the beginning of the Middle Ages Roman Empire broke up into small kingdoms Different languages Writing/reading in danger of being lost Roman culture survived in some ways, primarily through the Church Latin language Division of lands
Franks One of the invaders of the Roman Empire From Gaul, France Charlemagne became king of the Franks in 768AD Conquered other weak kingdoms around Europe These countries had constantly fought one another United them into the Holy Roman Empire (HRE) Crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day 800AD
Charlemagne ruled for 50 years Kept western Europe united Each area under him had to pay him tribute He would personally handle unrest throughout the HRE Spread Christianity Monastic schools spread throughout Europe Turned into towns and cities Issued money that could be used anywhere in the HRE Added to the unity of the HRE Charlemagne died Holy Roman Empire divided between his 3 sons The sons fought one another, weakening the Empire
Vikings Skilled sailors and warriors From Northern Europe Denmark, Sweden, Norway Began attacking rest of Europe in 800AD Attacks lasted 300 years Burned and looted towns Used elements of fear and surprise People turned to kings again for protection Instead of the remnants of the Holy Roman Empire Kings and kingdoms became important again
Feudalism – system of government in the Middle Ages Land was owned by kings and lords Vassals held a share of the land (fief) Peasants and serfs worked the land
Pledged loyalty to their kings/lords Raised/led armies to fight for their lords Many vassals were knights (professionally trained horse soldiers) Had to pay taxes (also called tribute, often in the form of crops) Lords/kings pledged to treat vassals with honor Had to protect the vassals (often by building castles) Took care of the vassals’ children if the vassals died
Manor – large estate Included farm fields, pastures Often included an entire village Manors were self-sufficient Manor house was the home of the lord (ruler) Lord of the manor was often a vassal of the king Jobs of the lord of the manor Ruled over the people who lived on the manor Made rules Acted as judge Oversaw farming and daily work Collected taxes
Trained by living with other noble families After time, she became the lady of her household Jobs Manage household, including servants Perform necessary medical tasks Acted as lord of the manor when the lord was away fighting
Majority of the people of feudal Europe Poor Did all the work on the manors Farmers and laborers Could only farm a small strip of land for themselves Had to pay tax in crops to their lord
Most peasants were also serfs Serf – Peasant who was considered to be part of the manor Counted as property Had to ask to leave manor Needed permission to marry Could gain freedom Buy it Escape to the city for a year and a day
Long days of hard work Farmed fields for themselves and their lords Men, women, and children One room huts Single opening for window Fire built on dirt floor Smoke exited through hole in roof Diet of simple foods Black bread, cabbage, turnips Rarely ate meat Animals reserved for the lord of the manor Slept on mattresses of cloth stuffed with straw