Unit IV

Term for system of political and social order in Medieval Western Europe New economic pattern based on land ownership The manor became the main economic unit. Feudal system developed King at top Lords, vassals, and peasants

Those who fight: nobles and knights Those who pray: monks, nuns, leaders of the Church Those who work: peasants Social class is usually inherited; Most peasants are serfs—people lawfully bound to place of birth What they produce belongs to their lord

Term for economic System of Medieval Europe Medieval fiefs, include lord’s house, church, workshops, village. It’s a large plot of land Peasants pay taxes to use mill and bakery; pay a tithe to priest Serfs live in crowded cottages with dirt floors, straw for beds Daily grind of raising crops, livestock, feeding and clothing family Serfs generally accept their lives as part of God’s plan A depiction of a Medial Fief.

Leather saddle and stirrups enable knights to handle heavy weapons In 700s, mounted knights become most important part of an army By 1000s, western Europe is a battleground of warring nobles Feudal lords raise private armies of knights Knights rewarded with land; provides income needed for weapons Knights’ other activities help train them for combat

The Code of Chivalry By 1100s, knights obey code of chivalry—a set of ideals on how to act They are to protect weak and poor; serve feudal lord, God, chosen lady Knighthood and the Code of Chivalry Brutal reality of warfare Castles are huge fortress where lords live Attacking armies use wide range of strategies and weapons

Pageantry, The skills of knights shown off, part of a mans commitment to chivalry A Knight’s Training Boys begin to train for knighthood at age 7; usually knighted at 21 Knights gain experience in local wars and tournaments—mock battles

Guilds organization of people in the same occupation Merchant guilds begin first; they keep prices up, provide security Guilds set standards for quality, prices, wages, working conditions Avoided changed in technology The wealth of guilds influences government and economy

Trade fairs are held several times a year in towns Trade routes open to Asia, North Africa, and Byzantine Merchants develop credit to avoid carrying large sums of money Merchants play a bigger role in society Merchants take out loans to purchase goods, and banking grows Economic changes lead to the growth of cities and of paying jobs

All medieval Christians expected to obey canon law which governed religious practices Popes have power over political leaders through threat of Excommunication— banishment from Church, damnation Interdiction—king’s subjects denied sacraments and services Kings and emperors expected to obey pope’s commands

Church builds monasteries— where monks live to study and serve God Monks and Nuns vow celibacy and improving the lives of others Monks establish schools, preserve learning through libraries

Some Church officials marry even though the Church objects (celibacy) Some officials practice simony—selling religious offices Kings use lay investiture to appoint secular bishops Reformers believe only the Church should appoint bishops Starting in 1100s, popes reorganize Church like a kingdom

The King James Bible

Baptism

Pope Greg0ory VII bans lay investiture—kings appointing Church officials Henry IV (Germany) orders pope to resign; Gregory VIII excommunicates Henry Henry goes to Canossa, Italy, to beg Gregory for forgiveness Gregory forgives Henry Concordat of Worms Compromise: pope anoints bishops, emperor can veto appointment