Feudalism and Medieval Households The Three Categories of Society: –Those Who Work: Peasants or Serfs –Those Who Fight: Knights –Those Who Pray: Clergy & Religious Feudalism: An Economic System –a set of social relations based upon protection through service

Stabilizing Medieval Europe,

Stabilizing Medieval Europe New Economic order: –Feudalism –Manorialism The Role of the Catholic Church –Regulating Marriage –Regulating Sexuality –Blessing Secular Rulers

Medieval Manor Evolved from Latifundium and Need for Protection

Castle: Fortification

Manor House: Fortification + Wealth

Peasant House

Characteristics of Feudalism Ancient slavery ends as a labor system An economic system which does not require cash exchange or extensive markets People bound together in terms of obligations and terms of service –loyalty, homage and fealty govern relationships between lord and vassal, peasant and lord

Patterns peasant families support one knight 90% of the population are peasants Peasants owe 3 days/wk of service + fees to lord. Fees are required : to marry, to inherit Knights owe 40 days/year service to lord to fight and must supply armaments, horses, etc.

Patterns, cont. Farm output is about 10% of today’s midwestern farm. Peasants (serfs, not slaves) are bound to land but have rights to the land Manors are economic and military units, with fortifications for defense (a castle), may also be controlled by monastic order or church.

Catholic Church Regulates Sexuality through confession: see handout on the “penitentials.” Organizes marriage by enforcing rules of monogamy and exogamy