Medieval Europe A.D. 500- 1300ish

A: The Coronation of Charlemagne

Germanic People Germans + Romans = Germanic People Many subgroups! Franks Anglo Saxons Visagoths

Background on Franks Germanic people lived along the Rhine River Loyal to kin, not king Clovis was first Christian Frankish king

Steps to Charlemagne’s Rise to Power Step 1: Converted Germans to Christianity Step 2: Prevented Muslims from expanding into Europe Step 3: Put down a Saxon Revolt

Charlemagne’s Accomplishments Created a large empire divided into self-sufficient manors Counts kept order

God has made me king! I crown thee holy Roman Emperor! Heavy Blue eyes Barbarians Germanic people, lived along Rhine R. Loyal to kin, not king Clovis converted to Christianity Heavy Blue eyes Tall Mustache Created a large empire divided into self-sufficient manors Counts kept order Made Aachen a new center of learning Kingdom divided into 3 parts after Charlemagne’s death Weakened the empire and caused collapse of Frankish kingdom Brutally put down Saxon revolt Prevented Muslims from expanding into Europe Converted Germans to Christianity thru war

Division of Frankish Empire Kingdom divided into three parts after Charlemagne’s death Kingdom was weakened Frankish kingdom collapses

Rise of the Church Although the Church’s primary mission was spiritual, the decline of Rome in the A.D. 400s led the Church to assume many political and social tasks

The Medieval Church Pope: Strongest political leader in western Europe The pope claimed spiritual authority over Christians since Peter the Apostle, Rome’s first bishop, was chosen by Jesus to lead the Church

Religious Role The Catholic Church taught that all people were sinners and dependent on God’s grace The only way to receive grace was to take part in the sacraments Baptism, communion, conformation, marriage ect.

Religious Role People had limited understanding of church rituals Masses said Latin Few poorly educated people could read or write

B: Norsemen or Vikings Raids

Who were the Vikings? Viking = pirate Lifestyle based on the sea Tribal units ran government Culture of war, violent, education not important Worshiped many gods

What was their impact on Europe? People looked for protection from Vikings People turned to lords of manors Feudalism was established

Where did they raid and why? Raided northern coastlines & rivers of Europe Plundered, burned and killed Excellent explorers, sailors and traders Europe was weak after Charlemagne’s empire fell apart

C: Medieval Castles

Keep Keep Slits for air and for arrows Workshops Residences Portcullis Drawbridge workshops Drawbridge Moat Dungeon Moat

D: Life on a Manor

Monarchs King and Queen lived in castle Highest authority in kingdom

Lords and Nobles Lived on manors in castle Landowners and clergy Oversee the land & collect taxes Raise army Take oath of fealty to king

Knights and Vassals Private soldiers – protectors of land Exchange services for land (fief) Began training at age 7 Followed Code of Chivalry

Peasants and Serfs Freeman – could leave manor & paid lord for use of land Serf – bound/tied to land Worked the land in exchange for protection

Lord’s hunting grounds Pasture Meadow 1 2 Peasant huts King/ Queen Highest Authority Landowners & Clergy Oversee the land, collect taxes, raise army Oath of fealty to king West Field East Field Manor house Lord’s hunting grounds Pasture Meadow Village green workshops 3 4 Church Soldiers -protectors of the land Exchange services for fief Trained from age 7 Followed Code of Chivalry South Field Freeman-could leave manor. Serfs-tied to the land Prisoners of the manor Worked the land in exchange for protection Priest’s house Garden

E: William the Conqueror & Norman Invasion

Bayeux Tapestry

King of England, Edward the Confessor, dies in 1066 King promised thrown to his cousin Duke William of Normandy England assembly chose Harold Godwinsson as successor (Edward’s Brother-in-Law Harold Hardrada from Norway also had claims to English throne

1. Death of Edward the Confessor King Edward of England dies without any children Edward promised throne to his cousin, Duke William of Normandy

2. Harold Godwinsson’s Claim Harold Godwinsson was King Edward’s brother-in-law English assembly selected Harold to replace King Edward Taking throne, Harold breaks promise to support Duke William of Normandy

3. Harold Hardrada’s Claim King Harold Hardrada of Norway Harold H. wanted English throne Harold H. love for fighting urges him to invade England

4. Battle of Stamford, September 1066 Harold Godwinsson’s army defeated Hardrada’s army at Stamford Bridge on northeast coast of England Harold Hardrada is killed by an arrow in the throat Duke William’s army sails for England 2 days later

5. Battle of Hastings, Oct. 1066 Harold Godwinsson’s army had to travel 250 miles south to meet Duke William’s army Harold army used 2-handed axes William’s army used long-bows Harold is killed by an arrow shot into his eye

6. Importance of Battle of Hastings Duke William’s becomes King of England William is given the name “William the Conqueror” Feudalism is introduced to England English King power increases Norman (French) influence English language and culture

King Harold of Norway also wants the English throne Normans vs. Saxons -Edward the king dies without a child. -Edward promises the throne to cousin William, Duke of Normandy The English nobles choose Edward’s brother-in-law, Harold G., to replace Edward as king. Harold G. of England fights Harold H. of Norway at Stamford Bridge Harold of Norway is killed with arrow in throat King Harold of Norway also wants the English throne Love of fighting urges him to invade England Hastings Harold is forced to march his army 200 mi.south to Hastings to meet William. Harold’s army uses, two-handled ax; William’s uses long-bow. Harold is killed by one of William’s knights (hit in the eye) William becomes King of England- “William the Conqueror” Started feudalism in England Increased power of English king Norman (French) to influence English language and culture.

F: King John & the Magna Carta

1. King John’s Personality Cruel King (same King as in Robin Hood) Unpopular – given cruel nickname “Lackland”- owned no land “Soft-Sword”- unskilled at using a sword Became king after older brother King Richard was killed in battle

2. King John, you have angered us: Nobles angered about abuse of power King John: Raised taxes and prices on goods Ordered nobles to build castles for him Used taxes to pay for war against France Fought with Pope and was excommunicated from Church

3. Magna Carta Nobles and Church officials confronted John with a document listing their demands Called Magna Carta= Great Charter Gave rights to nobles and lords Takes ultimate authority away from king Steps towards democracy Trial by jury – can not imprison free men Nobles must approve changes in taxing

4. King John’s Thoughts “If I sign this document… I will be giving rights to the nobles and English people!

The “Great Charter” Raising taxes, raising prices Order us to build palaces Warring with France & losing Demanding money Fighting with the Pope If I sign this document, I will be giving rights to the nobles and English people! Gives rights to lords and nobles Step towards democracy Jury trial Permission to tax from nobles Cruel (the king from the Robin Hood legends) Unpopular (called “Lackland” & “Softsword” Became King at Brother Richard’s death in Battle.