Feudalism  A loosely organized system of rule between powerful local lords and lesser lords called vassals. ○ Feudal contract- vassals gave loyalty and military support in exchange for a fief, or estate. ○ Vassal who pledged loyalty to several lords owed their first loyalty to a liege lord.

Knights and Nobles  Knights- mounted warriors ○ At age 7 boys could be sent to the lord’s castle for training. ○ Knights competed in mock battles called tournaments.  Castles developed when lords fortified their homes from attack. ○ Knights lived here and peasants took refuge inside castles during war.

Noblewomen & Chivalry  Noblewomen took over “husbandly” duties when the man was away. ○ Women could rarely inherit land and were expected to bear many children. ○ Women were sent to family members to learn “wifely” duties such as spinning, weaving, and cooking.  Chivalry- knight’s code of conduct ○ Applied only to nobles not commoners. ○ Troubadours traveled and sang about the brave deeds of knights.

Medieval Manor

The Manor  Manor- lord’s estate and surrounding village(s) ○ Peasants called serfs were bound to the land for life. ○ Serfs tended the lord’s lands, had to ask permission to marry, and made payments at Easter and Christmas. ○ The lord provided serfs with protection, food, housing, and small plots of land. ○ The manor was self sufficient.

Peasant Life  Life was harsh for peasants. ○ Hard work, disease, and hunger were common. ○ Peasant families slept with the livestock in huts.