Middle Ages

Middle Ages The Medieval Period is characterized by the disappearance of Roman city life and the development of localized economy on vast manorial estates. Some historians say that the Middle Ages began in 476 when the last Roman Emperor of the West lost power. Others say 529 when St. Benedict’s monastery opened. In the same respect, it can be argued when exactly the Middle Ages ended. Most commonly accepted date is 1453 (Islamic Turks conquered Constantinople, the capital of the eastern Roman Empire) Many historians claim that the transition can not be pinned to a certain date or event. The level of literacy and educational achievements dropped. The church preserved literacy, especially in monastic communities.

Middle Ages Europe declined during the early Middle Ages for several reasons… 1) unifying force of the Roman empire was gone. 2) the region was invaded repeatedly 3) trade and classical learning decreased.

Middle Ages The period between ancient times and modern times is considered the Middle Ages (500-1500). After winning a battle in 496, King Clovis (in charge of the Franks) established a Christian Kingdom in Western Europe. The Franks often fought vicious feuds that would weaken their kingdom, however, it was strengthened by their conversion to Christiantiy.

Germanic Tribes Conquer After converting to Christianity, Clovis earned the support of his subjects in Gaul and the Pope in Rome. At the same time, Muslims were creating a new civilization and empire in the Mediterranean region.

Battle of Tours Muslim armies overran Christian lands and crossed into France. Charles Martel led Frankish warriors in the Battle of Tours to push them back. Victory is considered a turning point in history. Idea of “What If?”

Charlemagne, Martel’s grandson, briefly united Western Europe. He fought Muslims, aided the poor in Rome, and was crowned Emperor of the Romans. Charlemagne was a skilled leader who revived Latin learning and brought scholars to his court.

Charlemagne spread Christianity to conquered people throughout his kingdom and set up a strong, efficient government. When Pope Leo crowned Charlemagne Emperor of the Romans, the idea of a united Christian empire was revived.

Treaty of Verdun After Charlemagne died in 814, his son Louis I took the throne. Later, Louis’ sons would battle for power and would eventually split the empire into three sections.

After Charlemagne died, his empire was split up After Charlemagne died, his empire was split up. His heirs faced waves of invasions.

These Scandinavian people were expert sailors. They opened trade routes linking northern Europe to the Mediterranean. Charlemagne’s empire broke apart even more when the Vikings began attacking European coastal and river towns.

Feudalism Develops In the face of invasions by Vikings, Muslims, and Magyars, kings and emperors were too weak to maintain law and order. People needed protection. In response to the basic need for protection, a decentralized political and economic structure evolved, known as feudalism. Feudalism was a loosely organized system of rule in which powerful local lords divided their landholdings among lesser lords. In exchange, these lesser lords, or vassals, pledged service and loyalty to the greater lord.

How to Become a Knight Page – 6 or 7 years old Squire – 13 years old Noble boy would report to the local lord’s manor to begin his training. Learn the fundamentals of court life such as table manners, care and maintenance of armor and weapons, and how to care for a horse. Learn how to read and how to appreciate music or even play the lute. His training would begin in hand-to-hand combat and early medieval weapon training. Squire – 13 years old Assigned as the personal assistant to a knight (Grunt work). He would get intensive training in weapons, armor, tactics and mounted combat. Often times he was allowed to carry a small sword and shield with him as a symbol of his status as a “knight in training” (5-6 years). Knight – ceremony after proving bravery and skill in battle.

Knights and Warfare Knights usually fought on horseback using swords, axes, and lances, which were long poles. They wore armor and carried shields for protection. Other soldiers fought on foot using daggers, spears, crossbows, and longbows. In addition to actual warfare, knights engaged in mock battles called tournaments. Jousting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jamZyBva_LE In the later Middle Ages, knights adopted a code of conduct called chivalry. Chivalry required knights to be brave, loyal, and true to their word.

Manors Support Feudalism The heart of the feudal economy was the manor, or lord’s estate. Most manors included one or more villages and the surrounding lands. Peasants, who made up the majority of the population in medieval society, lived and worked on the manor. Most peasants on a manor were serfs, bound to the land. Serfs were not slaves (who could be bought and sold). Still, they were not free. They could not leave the manor without the lord’s permission. If the manor was granted to a new lord, the serfs went along with it.

Constructing the Pyramid of Feudal Power KING LOYALTY AND SERVICE LAND POWERFUL NOBLES LAND AND PROTECTION LOYALTY AND MILITARY SERVICE LESSER NOBLES (KNIGHTS) LABOR PROTECTION SERFS AND FREEMEN

The Medieval Catholic Church filled the power vacuum left from the collapse of the classical world. CHURCH IS CENTER OF EVERY TOWN monasticism: St. Benedict – Benedictine Rule of poverty, chastity, and obedience. provided schools for the children of the upper class. inns, hospitals, refuge in times of war. libraries & scriptoria to copy books and illuminate manuscripts. monks  missionaries to the barbarians. [St. Patrick, St. Boniface]

The Power of Medieval Church the church controlled about 1/3 of the land in Western Europe. tried to curb feudal warfare  only 40 days a year for combat. curb heresies  crusades; Inquisition tithe  1/10 tax on your assets given to the church.

Medieval Population A) 5 million B) 10 million – the size of NYC today How many people do you think lived in all of Europe in the year 1200? A) 5 million B) 10 million – the size of NYC today C) 75 million D) 100 million E) 300 million – the size of the USA today

Medieval Towns Population in all of Europe was about 75 million What enabled people to move into towns? What were conditions in towns?

The decline of Feudalism and the rise of democratic thought 3 major events happened during this time period that changed Europe forever The Crusades The Black Death 100 years war