Goals for today Define important terms that are associated with feudalism Explain the factors that led to the rise of Feudalism in Europe Identify the roles of kings, lords, knights, and serfs in the Feudal System Evaluate the Feudal system

Periodization Early Middle Ages: 500 – 1000 High Middle Ages: 1000 – 1250 Late Middle Ages: 1250 - 1500

Feudalism Political and social system based on the granting of land in exchange for loyalty, military assistance, and other services

Europe in the 6c

The Middle Ages or Medieval Period ( 500 CE -1500 CE.) Rise of New Kingdoms/States that are not united New Kingdoms are unable to protect themselves from Barbarian Invasions, causing a need for localized Protection Barbarian Invasions cause the Fall of the Western Roman Empire The Rise of Feudalism in Europe

Feudalism Developed as a result of frequent invasions in western Europe Kings and nobles needed a way to protect their lands

Feudalism Lords divided their lands into estates called fiefs Fiefs (land) given to vassals in return for loyalty and military support All nobles were vassals to the King

What is a Knight? Almost all nobles were knights Training began at age 7, as a page, under the guidance of the lady of the manor Became squires at age 15 and were trained by other knights Those deemed worthy were “dubbed” knights Almost all nobles were knights Society made up of three groups – nobles, clergy and peasants and townspeople Knight’s training: Began at age 7 as a page Under guidance of the lady of the manor - Taught courtly manners, sometimes reading, music, dancing – all the necessities of a noble - Ran errands and served her in return Also began serving the knights performing simple tasks Became a squire at age 15 and placed under guidance of a knight - Taught the skills of knighthood, especially horsemanship and combat skills. - Followed knight into battle and helped him if he was wounded or fell off his horse If proven to be a good fighter he was rewarded by being made a knight - Special ceremony known as dubbing Knights were expected to follow certain rules known as the code of chivalry Knights trained for war by fighting each other in tournaments Most popular form of entertainment during the Middle Ages Popular event was joust

Feudalism Knights Mounted warriors who protected lord’s lands Given land for their services Chivalry Code of ethics followed by knights Honesty, fairness in battle, loyal, proper treatment of women

Feudal Obligations Knights Obligation to Lord Lord’s Obligation to Knights Provide military service Remain loyal and faithful Give money on special occasions Give Land Protect from attack Resolve disputes between knights

Peasants and Serfs Serfs Peasants who lived and worked on the lord’s manor Were not allowed to leave the manor or marry without the lord’s permission Were allowed to farm on the manor in return for work Lords were required to protect the serfs

Life of Serfs The life of a serf was harsh Worked long hours few lived past 35 years old Based on heredity You were a serf if you parents were

Life of Serf The Harshness of Manor Life Peasants pay taxes to use mill and bakery; pay a tithe to priest Tithe—a church tax—is equal to one-tenth of a peasant’s income Serfs live in crowded cottages with dirt floors, straw for beds Worked long hours raising crops, livestock; feeding and clothing family Poor diet, illness, malnutrition make life expectancy 35 years Serfs generally accept their lives as part of God’s plan

Manorial System Freemen skilled workers who paid rent to nobles and could leave the manor Ex. Blacksmith and millers

Constructing the Pyramid Feudal Power SERFS AND FREEMEN

Constructing the Pyramid of Feudal Power LESSER NOBLES (KNIGHTS) LABOR PROTECTION SERFS AND FREEMEN

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

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

Carcassonne: A Medieval Castle

Parts of a Medieval Castle

Manorial System An economic system in the Middle Ages that was built around large estates called manors Included a village and the land surrounding it

Manorial System Manors were self sufficient Most things needed for daily life were produced on the manor