The Middle Ages ~450 AD- ~1400 AD
Decay of Roman empire Invasions end Roman protection of its vast empire Eventually these areas begin to be taken over by people who used to rule them before
Decline of Western Europe Breakdown of trade: money became scarce. Cities abandoned – no longer center of economy or administration Population became rural. Decline of literacy – priests were the few that were literate. Languages slowly changed from Latin (Romance languages)
Characteristics of the Middle Ages Lack of a strong central government Church is powerful King less powerful Europe divided into thousands of small feudal kingdoms
More Characteristics Rural Education decreases Less trade Barter system Living conditions harsh Laws based on customs
Feudalism Feudalism becomes the dominant political system. At its head is a king. The king trades land to a lower noble for loyalty.
Feudalism Based on mutual obligation Provide knights in times of war Fiefs – land grants Military protection Fiefs – land grants service protection Based on mutual obligation
Manorial System Economic system of the Middle Ages Manor – self sufficient farming communities Little trade between manors Typical had 200-300 people Heart of the manor was the manor house / castle
To become a Knight Sons of nobles began training at an early age for knighthood Page – at 7 they were sent to another lord to be trained Squire – at 14 they act as a servant to a knight Knight- at 21 they become a knight and gain experience in local wars and tournaments
Excommunication Excommunication means you get thrown out of the church. For kings, it can also mean nobles no longer owed loyalty.
Papal Power If the Pope wanted to control a King, he would threaten to excommunicate him or even his whole kingdom. This usually forced the King to do what the Pope wanted him to do. In this way, the Church controlled many of Europe’s kings
The Good Church Preserver of learning Art Shelter for poor Church offered salvation through the sacraments
The Bad Church Amassed wealth Owned land Some where dishonest Political involvement Corruption