The need for Heavy Cavalry leads to a new governmental system Feudalism The need for Heavy Cavalry leads to a new governmental system

Heavy Cavalry Charles Martel decided to raise an army of heavy cavalry in response to the threat of Muslim Invasion But armored knights are expensive, So He gave warriors manors with enough land so that they could afford to have a horse, arms, and armor… this is called a fief In return the warrior promises to serve in battle 40-60 days a year, a Knight!

Victory Charles new army is a success and a Muslim invasion is stopped in 732 at The Battle of Tours His son Pepin and his Grandson… Charlemagne Use this new army to add Germany, Northern Spain and Italy to the Frankish Kingdom.

Charlemagne’s Empire In 800 the Pope crowns Charlemagne “Holy Roman Emperor”

Feudalism During this time Charles Martel’s system develops into … Feudalism The King grants large fiefs to Great Lords like Dukes and Counts They promise in return “homage” that is to supply a certain number of armed knights and other things They become the King’s vassals and he their overlord

The Great Lords in turn grant smaller fiefs to barons in return for homage The Barons in turn grant manors as fiefs to Knights in return for homage. The Knights rule over the people as lords of the manor. This Feudal/Manorial system is spread over most of Europe by Charlemagne In 843 Charlmagne’s grandsons divide the Empire and it becomes France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium etc.