Lecture 2.1 Feudalism and the Dark Ages

 Write one thing you know about each of the 5 religions we have talked about.  What were the major accomplishments of Alexander the Great?  What happens to most HUGE empires throughout human history?  What makes a civilization an empire?  Is the United States an Empire? KNIGHT’S CHARGE

WEIRD DISNEY FACT OF THE DAY! Goofy is a dog that can talk… His best friend is a mouse who can talk… That mouse has a pet dog…who CANNOT talk… Thoughts?

 The Western ancient societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece have either fallen apart or been conquered.  The Eastern Ancient societies in China and India are still alive and thriving!  Why do you think this is? WHERE ARE WE IN TIME?

 The mighty Roman Empire has fallen to barbarians and Germanic tribes.  After experiencing much political unrest and turmoil.  …We are now entering the… WHERE ARE WE IN TIME?

THE DARK AGES

 The Dark Ages started around 500 A.D. after the fall of Rome. Lasted until about 1300 A.D.  It was called the Dark Ages, because it was a time of:  1. Limited Learning  2. Poor Leadership  3. Bad Economies  Also known as the Early Middle Ages. THE DARK AGES

 Life and progress literally began to move backwards.  People rejected technology and science and adopted more primitive lifestyles. THE DARK AGES

 Most people could not read and write  Literacy rates plummeted  Much of this 500 year period is lost in time because most records and events were never written down. THE DARK AGES

 Ordinary People:  1. Were not educated  2. Were not artists  Most were simply common laborers  If you were not a noble family WITH money, you practically lived the life of a slave. THE DARK AGES

 Christianity grew to become VERY IMPORTANT to the people of the Middle Ages.  People simply survived and relied on the church.  At the time, Christians were predominantly Catholic. DARK AGES – THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

 In Europe, a system called Feudalism is developed.  It was developed by rich LORDS.  It was created to keep control of the people and in some aspects, to protect them. FEUDALISM

 Feudalism – A medieval social system of rank and class.  Feudalism consists of 4 main classes:  1. Peasants/Serfs – Worked for the Lords, provided food and labor for ALL of the manor.  2. Vassals/Knights – (organized workers, provided protection) – Gave military service.  3. Lords – (landowners) RICH  4. King –Ruled over all of them.  At times, some Lords would become so powerful and wealthy that they would challenge the king. FEUDALISM

FEUDAL CHART

 Serfs – Laborers bound to the land by a contract.  Serfs are NOT slaves.  However, they can only leave with a vassal’s permission and must follow orders or be severely punished.  Many died.  Monty Python on Feudalism Monty Python on Feudalism SERFS

John Green – Dark Ages? VIDEO TIME