Early Middle Ages (Europe) 800-1100
Early Middle Ages Objective: Learn political, social, and religious systems of the Middle Ages Terms: Charlemagne, feudal system (feudalism), serf, fief, vassal, manorial system, canon law Guiding Question(s): Why did the feudal system emerge in Europe? What is the connection between the feudal system and the manorial system? Who held supreme authority in the Christian church in most of Europe during the Middle Ages? What were the church’s sources of wealth in the Middle Ages? How was the church’s organization similar to that of a modern government?
Early Middle Ages-Europe
The Growth of Feudalism After the fall of the Roman Empire, threats of attacks ended almost all trade in Western Europe. Why? Because… Cities were easy targets for attacks. People moved from the cities for safety and to grow their own food.
What is FEUDALISM? A social and political structure based on the granting of land in return for loyalty, military assistance, and other services. In Medieval society a person typically was born and died on the same piece of land, and in the same social class.
Feudalism and the Manorial System Manorial system-the economic system of feudal Europe to manage/protect the land. 1-The kings granted the land (fief) to lesser nobles (vassal). 2-Lords (vassal) allowed peasants, or serfs, to farm portions of their land in exchange for some of their crops. 3-$ from selling the crops goes to the manor owner, higher nobles, and king. What are some problems with this lifestyle? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO-8f3XpNMg Video in notes
There was little or no trade There was little or no trade. EVERYTHING was produced on the manor and used by the people who lived on it.
Charlemagne
Frankish Kingdom The Franks (in France & Germany) left a lasting impact on Europe. The greatest Frankish king was Charlemagne. Charlemagne spread church teachings, education, and brought order to the barbaric lifestyle with the support of the CC in the 9th century. After his death in 814, his kingdom crumbled. http://www.history.com/topics/charlemagne/videos#the-reign-of-charlemagne Video in notes
http://www.history.com/videos/bet-you-didnt-know-vikings#the-vikings-raid-england Video in notes
The Viking Problem The Vikings were Germanic peoples from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and threatened the safety of many places in Europe. During the spring and summer they traveled to the mainland of Europe and the British Isles to loot and raid settlements. Vikings brought back captives to work farms back home in Scandinavia. Over time they also settled in England, Ireland, and Normandy. http://www.history.com/videos/the-vikings-raid-england#the-vikings-raid-england Video in notes
The Roman Catholic Church THE Christian Church. Represented stability, political power, and performed many government functions. LAND, POWER, MONEY The POPE held supreme authority in the church with cardinals (guys in red) as advisors. The church even has its own law, called canon law. Do not question the church! This could lead to imprisonment, or even death. People who did so were called heretics, or unbelievers who deserved eternal damnation. The church also had the power to tax 1/10 of every Christian’s household. This tax was called a tithe. Wealth and power led to corruption--often selling off positions of power, appointing friends or relatives to positions, and charging high fees for religious services.
Political and Social Heirarchy
Art in the Early Middle Ages
Exit Ticket 1-Why did the feudal system emerge in Europe? 2-How are the feudal system and the manorial system connected? 3-Who held supreme authority in Europe during the Middle Ages? 4-What were the church’s sources of wealth in the Middle Ages? 5-How was the church’s organization similar to that of a modern government?