Feudalism SSWH7 The student will analyze European medieval society with regard to culture, politics, society, and economics. a. Explain the manorial system and feudalism; include the status of peasants and feudal monarchies and the importance of Charlemagne.

Charlemagne 600 & 700’s, Frankish kings lost their power to the chief officers of the king’s household = mayor’s of the palace Pepin assumed the kingship Pepin’s son became king after his death in 768 = son was Charles the Great – Charlemagne Charlemagne = one of history’s great kings/ curious, driven, intelligent, strong warrior, devout Christian/ was illiterate, but strongly supported learning Ruled from 768 to 814/ Expanded the Frankish kingdom into Carolingian empire = covered much of western & central Europe

Charlemagne Charlemagne established missi dominci (messengers of the lord king) two men who were sent to make for sure the kings wishes were followed 800, he was crowned emperor of the Romans/ the coronation symbolized the coming together of the Roman, Christian, & Germanic elements that forged European civilization Carolingian Renaissance was promoted by Charlemagne desire to promote learning Benedictine monks played important role in revival of learning

Fall of Carolingian empire Charlemagne died in 814/ by 844 Carolingian empire divided into 3 kingdoms by grandsons Muslims invaded southern France Magyars settled on the plains of Hungary

Vikings (Norsemen of Scandinavia) attacked the empire Vikings were superb warriors & shipbuilders/ famed dragon ships carrying about 50 men could go shallow rivers to attack inland 9th century, Vikings settled in Europe 911, Frankish king gave Vikings land of Normandy

Feudalism Invaders posed a threat to the safety of the people due to decentralized government People began to turn landed aristocrats or nobles for protection/ led to feudalism Feudalism arose between 800-900/ similar system in Japan- Samurai Vassalage = center of feudalism/ came from Germanic society where warriors swore oath to their leader Vassal = man who served a lord militarily

Feudalism: Military Service for Land

Feudalism Knights = heavily armored warriors Male = armor made of metal links or plates Frankish army initially set up foot soldiers in mail Heavily armored knights dominated warfare for over 500 years Knights had great prestige & formed much of European aristocracy Early Middle Ages (500-1000) wealth was based on owning land/very little trade Nobles gave a piece of land to vassals in exchange for fighting = fief

Feudalism Vassals had political authority in their fief/in charge of keeping order Feudalism became complicated = kings had vassals who had vassals Feudal contract = unwritten rules that characterized feudalism/relationship between king & vassal/knights for about 40-60 days a year Vassals were to advise the lord, financial obligations to the lord, knighting of his eldest son, Lord supported the vassal with land grant & protection in military & court

Feudal Obligations Vassals: Lords: Military service for 40- 60 days. Homage. Serve on the lord’s court. Gifts for weddings and knighthoods. Ransom. Lords: Protection. Justice. Wardship – oversee personal affairs and family if vassal dies in service.

Page, Squire, Knight

Joust

Feudalism Castles = permanent residences & fortresses/#’s increased in high middle ages(1000-1300) Middle Ages = nobles dominated European society/ main concern was warfare Nobles = kings, dukes, counts, barons, bishops, archbishops Knighthood = united lords & knights in aristocracy Knights = trained as warriors/ no adult responsibility Young knights held tournaments to show their skills/ joust became main attraction

Feudalism 11th & 12th century, under influence of Church- chivalry became important to knights Chivalry = civilized behavior, knights were to defend the church & defenseless people, treat captives as honored guests, fight for glory not rewards Women could own property, but were under control of men/ first their fathers, then their husbands Lady of the castle in charge of household & estate Eleanor of Aquitane = married to king Louis VII of France & Henry II of England/ 2 children became kings of England

Eleanor