The Middle Ages

Origins Empires/groups after fall of Rome; Europe fragmented Goths Franks Scandinavians Anglo-Saxons (Eventually England) Roman influence in structure of manor Villa system Intellectualism/literacy declined; Church strong Conflicts with Arab world Iberia

Social structure: Feudalism Feudalism v Manorialism Fief and fealty (loyalty) Balance between religion (church/pope) and politics (kings/kingdoms) Class system of Feudalism: King Nobles/Lords Knights/Vassals Serfs (merchants/Artisans/Craftsmen/Farmers) Innovations in agriculture, crop rotation, and moldboard

Beowulf fights Grendel at Heorot Hall Economics and Culture Trade and Banking develop Mediterranean, North sea, Baltic zone Coinage replaces barter system; Merchants mostly free, but low status Guilds- Craft professionals; ensure quality/standards; protects markets/goods Hanseatic League- Early trade agreement in Europe; “Free” trade/protection of networks throughout Europe Women’s roles: VERY limited Worked on manor; children Some opportunities as nuns Literature: Reflections/ideas of the time Peter Abelard/Thomas Aquinas (Summas)- Faith and science/philosophy Geoffrey Chaucer- (Canterbury Tales) Reflections of politics/society as portrayed by characters De Troyes- (Yvain) Popularizes Arthurian legend and Knighthood/Chivalry Anonymous Anglo-Saxon- (Beowulf) Heroic tale reflecting conflicts with old traditions v new Beowulf fights Grendel at Heorot Hall

Religion and Politics Pope: influences spiritual and political power Appoints positions Funds missionaries Monasticism and Benedictine rule Benedict of Nursia 480-547 ce Spiritual functions Supporting/maintaining holiness in society/life Expanding the influence and network of Christianity Pilgrimage centers Secular functions Education (scholasticism) Land/property/estates Shelter/protect travelers

Carolingian Dynasty (Franks) 800-924 cd Begins with Charlemagne 768-814ce (grandson of Charles Martel) Conquered Italy’ Germanic regions forcing Saxons to convert and/or disperse (England?!) Defeated Slavs in Danube river region Holy Roman Empire- Sworn protector of Christendom Crowned emperor in 800ce (Pope recognizes legitimacy)---------------> Promoted learning and laws (social codes) to unify Attempted to create a capital to rival Byzantines Military and political savvy leads to period of internal stability Expanded influence of church and art/culture-> Romanesque- Gothic Used secret police/spies to maintain system/government Educated the clergy; became administrators between church and government Dynasty ends with Charles the Fat in 888 (Italian kings would attempt to maintain until decline complete in 924)

Economy and Urban Growth Agricultural improvements= more production Allows population growth Leads to surpluses---> More wealth! Education Literacy expands Cathedral schools and universities emerge Growth of towns Advancements in education Surplus in $$ Increased production of goods---------------> Trade networks

Monarchs and Limited Government Some lords become more powerful Kings of own “states”/Bureaucracies Internal conflict between feudal lords for dominance William the Conqueror 1066 ce---> Normans take England Political fragmentation; Monarchs limited Church, lords, development of independent towns Representative bodies emerge around 1000 ce King John (Robin Hood legend) signs Magna Carta 1215 King recognizes authority of lords (parliament) and the supremacy of law

Expansion and Reform Iberia---> Reconquista (reconquest) to regain territory from Muslims Vikings----> Crossed the Atlantic; Eastern Canada------> Crusades---> Pope Urban II in 1095; Renewed interactions with Islam Gregorian reforms: 11th century Based on Monasticism Icon controversy Struggles with empire; Promotes early idea of separating church and state

Strains and Decline Persistent conflicts between feudal lords Widespread warfare between empires/groups 100 years war (France/England)---> Later response to Norman conquest Both the highlight of chivalry and mark of the decline of feudalism Population strips agriculture---> famines! Aristocracy less involved in politics/military (familiar?!) Military positions more “decorative” at this point Church leadership became more rigid; stymied intellectualism