The Middle ages

How did the Middle Ages begin? The fall of the Roman Empire led to no central Government The Catholic Church emerged as the top social and political power Rise in Feudalism Byzantium survived as the center of classical culture in Eastern Europe

Fall of the Roman Empire 476 A.D. Barbarian tribes from North Europe invade Roman lands No central power in Western Europe Trade declines because the Roman army no longer protected the trade routes Learning and technological advances are disrupted

Rise of the Catholic Church It became the most powerful social and political organization People believed that the Church held the power to send them to Heaven or Hell Became very wealthy Became the center of all learning in Western Europe

Feudalism Lords – local independent leaders Able to grant land, called a fief Vassals – person who received a fief Primogeniture – system of inheritance from father to son Women - all property became husband’s property at marriage Warfare – private fights between feudal lords Fought by Lords and their Knights Fought for glory and wealth Church forbade fighting near church grounds

Provided some stability to the people’s lives after the fall of Rome Society was divided into classes Kings: Supreme Ruler Nobles & Clergy: Nobles served the king with their Knights and armies Knights: Protected the noble’s land, served in his army Serf/Peasants: Lowest class, farmed the land of the nobles

Feudal Justice Could be decided three ways: Trial by battle Dual between accused and accuser Oath taking Supported by people taking an oath of truth Similar to character witnesses in trials Trial by ordeal Accused would have to survive ordeal Hand in boiling oil, holding hot coals, submersion in freezing water Healing time determined guilt or innocence Often used in witch-hunts

Manorial System Manorial system shaped Europe’s economy Each manor was self-sufficient Lord shared land with peasants Peasants/serfs led very difficult lives Worked land, gave their harvest to the noble Could not leave the manor without permission Rarely could afford meat Life expectancy was very low Suffered from starvation, disease, and constant warfare

Manor consisted of the noble’s house surrounded by his lands Included a church, mill, blacksmith, bakery Peasants lived in the village

Chivalry Rules (or code) that dictated knights’ behavior Comes from word Cheval (“horse”) Noble class Began at age 7 Became a knight’s “page” or assistant Would learn manners and how to use and care for weapons Knight had to be courageous, loyal, well mannered