2/23/15 What were the effects of invasions and migrations on the political and cultural landscapes of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages?
No all powerful state or empire. Territories merged together or were taken over by other leaders. The Church becomes a stabilizing force: As more territory was conquered, Christianity spreads.
Charlemagne’s Rise to Power Charlemagne, Old French for Charles the Great Historically considered one of most important leaders in European history But why?????????
Increased Kingdom –Incorporated land of foe into his sphere of influence, formed alliances with local rulers Religious authority –Protected Pope Leo III from military and civil threats – Restored the Pope to power after revolt – Named emperor of Roman people
–Pope’s action suggested that Charlemagne’s rule had backing of church, God
Charlemagne’s Rule
Empire large, but not easy to rule Delegating Authority – Counts: officials to help rule parts of empire in his name. – Counts bound to obey, granted large tracts of land and given much authority. Oversight – Inspectors kept tabs on Charlemagne’s counts
A New Society Wanted leaders in empire to be able to read, write Ordered churches and monasteries to start schools Students learned: –Religion –Music –Grammar
New Invaders The Vikings –came from northern Europe –Society rural, agricultural Food Shortages lead to Raids –Take what they needed from others
Vikings were superb ship builders and sailors Coastal and inland cities were targets. Vikings killed captured defenders; took what they could find, sailed away
Discoveries Iceland – 700’s Greenland Canada
Individual Work You will write a persuasive essay answering the question – “How might the empire have been weaker if Charlemagne had not supported education and religion?”. You will offer your opinion and write an essay that attempts to validate your reasoning. Students can use text, notes or online source.
2/25/15 What events were partly credited for the origin of Feudalism? Feudalism originated partly due to kings not being able to defend the land of the nobility from invasion (Muslim, Vikings, Magyar)
Hierarchy King
Nobles (Lords)- Landowners
Knights most important, highly skilled soldiers. Being a knight expensive; had to maintain weapons, armor, horses Knights demanded payment for services
Knights were usually paid for their services with land Land given to knight for service was called a fief – Anyone accepting fief was called a vassal – Person from whom he accepted fief was his lord Historians call system of exchanging land for service the feudal system, or feudalism
How did the feudal system work? lord gave land to knight in return for protection and loyalty
The feudal system was a political and social system A related system governed medieval economics. This system was called the manorial system because it was built around large estates called manors
Lords, Peasants, and Serfs Manors owned by wealthy lords, knights Peasants farmed manor fields Were given protection, plots of land to cultivate for selves
Serfdom Most peasants on farm were serfs, tied to manor Not slaves, could not be sold away from manor But could not leave or marry without lord’s permission
Free People Manors had some free people who rented land from lord Others included landowning peasants, skilled workers like blacksmiths, millers Also had a priest for spiritual needs
Manor land occupied by fields for crops, pastures for animals Crop rotation (why?) Church, mill, blacksmith Goal was to be self-sufficient.
How did lords and peasants benefit from the manorial system? lords' farmlands were taken care of, produced food; peasants were provided protection from invaders
Quiz 1.Which European country was home to Muslims? (it takes up most of the Iberian peninsula) 2.What was the economic system that was related to the feudal system? 3.What was the goal of the manor? 4.Why was crop rotation important? 5.Name one of the duties a Lord has to his knights
Individual work