Why do Castles Exist in Europe? Due to the Age of Invasions ( )

Feudalism in Europe New Invasions Trouble Western Europe ( AD) “Age of Invasions” –Vikings : based in Scandinavia, raid the coast of Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Interior of Russia, as far south as Constantinople Main reason for attack: wanted arable land, plunder for trade, love for plunder

Vikings Age of Invasions,

Feudalism in Europe –Magyars : a Turkish group of nomadic people attacked from the east in the late 800’s Excellent horseback riders Did not want to capture land; they captured people to sell as slaves Overran Italy, and reached as far west as the Rhineland and Burgundy

Magyars Vikings Age of Invasions,

Feudalism in Europe Muslims: Controlled all of Northern Africa and Southwest Asia.since 500 AD –Disrupted trade and controlled the Mediterranean Sea (Strait of Gibraltar) –Desired to conquer and settle all of Europe –Expansion stopped under Frankish rule –Expansion began again after weakening of Carolingian Dynasty

Muslims Magyars Vikings Age of Invasions,

Feudalism in Europe The invasions of the Vikings, Magyars, and Muslims caused widespread disorder and suffering throughout Europe –Most western Europeans lived in constant danger –Central authority proved powerless (too slow and too distant to respond to threats) –A new system of security needed to be developed

Feudalism in Europe Local leaders who were strong enough to stand up to the invasions attracted loyal followers and gained political strength –Raised own armies –Controlled and owned territory –Produced a whole new social order: Feudalism

Feudalism in Europe What is Feudalism? How and Why does Feudalism develop in Europe?

Feudalism Feudal system based on mutual obligations (government based on a social contract) –Local strong men (lords) who controlled territories divided their land into fiefs/estates which they gave to their strongest warriors in exchange for loyalty and military service. Although the estate was given, it was still owned by the Lord. These strong loyals were called vassals or lesser lords Vassals had the right to use the land for profit and pass it on to his heirs

Feudalism Feudalism Vassals divided up their land to their most powerful/loyal warriors –Powerful/loyal warriors were called Knights: gave their loyalty and military service to the vassal. At the bottom of the social order was the peasant or serf –in exchange for military protection, the peasant or serf worked the knight’s/vassal’s/lord’s land and gave tribute (taxes), were the infantry in war.

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Manors: The Economic Side of Feudalism Manor = Lord’s estate The Manor System –Lord provided serfs with housing, strips of farmland, and protection –Serfs tended the lord’s lands, cared for his animals, performed other tasks to maintain the estate (owed at least three days labor to the lord) (owed a percentage of the crops)

Manors: The Economic Side of Feudalism Manor: A Self-Contained World –Lord’s manor house/castle –Church –Workshops: Tanner, Blacksmith, Mills –15-30 Serf families –Natural resources: forest, streams/ponds/lakes –5-10 square miles

Manors: The Economic Side of Feudalism Manor Life: Harshness –Taxes: milling grain, marriage, church tax (tithe) –Living conditions: unsanitary, cold, cramped –Natural disasters: floods, plagues, droughts –Warfare

Manors: The Economic Side of Feudalism Agriculture: The Manor System –Three Field System Spring crop: oats, peas, beans, barley Fall crop: wheat, rye Fallow field: unplanted field allowed to rest and rejuvenate the soil for the next year; animals graze, fertilize field –Effects of Three Field System Better diet Surplus growth of population

Spring Field Fall Field Fallow Field