Middle Ages

The Middle Ages From the fall of the Roman empire until the fall of Constantinople to the Turks. Also known as the Medieval Period and the "Dark Ages." The Middle Ages were characterized by feudalism (rule by independent war-lords and a subjected peasantry) and the dominance of the Catholic Church.

Feudalism Feudalism – a loosely organized system of rule in which powerful local lords divided their landholdings among lesser lords. In exchange, these lesser lords, or vassals, pledged service and loyalty to the greater lord

Feudalism Turn To PAGE 188 and copy chart in notes

Feudalism Lords granted their vassals a fief, or estate These estates ranged from a few acres to hundreds of square miles Fiefs included peasants to work the land and any towns on the property

Feudalism As part of the contract, lords promised protection of his vassal The vassal then pledged his loyalty to the lord Vassals had to offer 40 days of military service, certain money payments, and advice

Knights Rival lords battled constantly for power Many trained as a knight or mounted warrior since boyhood Young boys would start training at age 7 and learn the art of fighting as well as keeping their armor in good condition Training was difficult and disciplin strict

Knights He would then be knighted by an older knight to make it official once his training was complete Tournaments – mock battles Knights participated in these events to keep up with their training when their was no warfare

Castles Castles were used to fortify their homes against attacks Monarchs and nobles owned sprawling stone castles with high walls, towers, and drawbridges over wide moats.

Chivalry Chivalry is the code of conduct the knights adopted: this included knights to be brave, loyal, and true to their word In warfare knights had to fight fairly and give other knights time to put on their armor Captured knights were to be treated fairly and could be released on their word

Answer the Following: What was a manor? What was a serf? What did a manor look like? What was the life like for a peasant?