Pump-Up Explain what you think chivalry means. Give examples of modern day chivalry.

Feudalism & Chivalry

Today’s Vocabulary Serfs Chivalry Peasants who were bound to the land they worked on. Chivalry Set of behaviors that a knight was suppose to follow.

Invaders Attack Europe The Vikings attacked from the north with terrifying speed. As the weather warmed, they stopped raiding. The invasions by Vikings, Magyars, and Muslims caused widespread disorder. People no longer looked to a central ruler for security. Many turned to local rulers who had their own armies.

Feudalism Feudalism Social class was inherited. A political and economic system based on land ownership and personal loyalty. In exchange for military protection, a lord granted land to vassals who would farm the land. Social class was inherited. The majority of people were peasants & serfs.

Manors The lord provided the peasants with housing, farmland, and protection from bandits. In return, serfs tended the lord’s lands and cared for his animals. The manor was a self-sufficient community. The peasants produced nearly everything that they needed for daily life.

Peasant Life Peasants had to pay many taxes to the lord. Houses were very small and had dirt floors. Average life expectancy was about 35 years. Believed that God determined a person’s place in society.

Knights To defend their territories, lords raised private armies of knights. In exchange for military service, knights were rewarded with land. Knight’s began training at age 7. Became a full Knight at age 21. Pasted time by training for war.

Knights & Warfare Tournaments Knights guarded castles Combined recreation with combat training. Jousting Knights guarded castles The castle was designed for defense Moats Watch towers Thick walls

Literature of Chivalry Medieval literature downplayed the brutality of knighthood and feudal warfare. Troubadours were traveling poet-musicians. King Arthur The Song of Roland Under the code of chivalry, a knight’s duty to his lady became as important as his duty to his lord. The hero’s difficulties resulted from a conflict between these two obligations.

Women’s Role in Feudal Society Women were viewed as inferior to men. Noblewomen Ran the castle/manor while husband was away. The lives of most noblewomen were limited. Couldn’t inherit land. Peasant Women Poor and powerless. Performed essential work necessary to maintain life on the manor.