What does noble mean? Possessing hereditary rank in a political system or social class derived from a feudalistic stage of a country's development. Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor: a noble spirit. Of high birth or social position: aristocratic, blue-blooded, elite, highborn, highbred, patrician, thoroughbred, upper-class, wellborn.
Nobles or Lords AKA… Baron — a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank Count — a nobleman (in various countries) having rank equal to a British earl Duke — a nobleman (in various countries) of high rank Grandee — a nobleman of highest rank in Spain or Portugal Marquis, marquess — nobleman (in various countries) ranking above a count Sire — a title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority
Oh (gasp). But who will save them from having to learn about- us? Stand back fair maiden! I will protect you from those ferocious middle school children. Oh (gasp). But who will save them from having to learn about- us? Feudal Europe
First Kings Germanic tribes took over after Rome Fought for own land Strongest man/fiercest warrior made king Europe 500 AD
Europeans Needed Protection During the 9th & 10th centuries Europe was invaded from every direction North Viking invasions South Muslims had conquered territory Feudalism grows because the weak needed protection!
King Divides His Lands Awards land called “fiefs” to his top men Become nobles- called lords or… The lords became vassals of the king Vassals- loyalty given for land & protection
Even Vassals Have Vassals The king is the head of the nobility- called royalty Nobles want more power Nobles gave fiefs to lesser nobles These lesser nobles became vassals too All were vassals except for the king Vassal= you swear loyalty; and agree someone else is above you!
Feudalism In Europe As time passed, land in Europe was divided into smaller kingdoms and fiefdoms The kings did not command one large, central empire Feudalism- land owned by king or lord, vassals (including peasants) were expected to work, pay taxes, and fight for their lord
Europe 500 AD Europe 500 AD
Europe 800 AD
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Europe 1500 AD
Europe 1800 AD
Europe 1900
The Manor System Way of organizing economy Manor- large area of farmland that also contains, peasant villages, a church, and typically a castle/manor house for protection The manor was run by the lord or king Peasants- fought and farmed in exchange for land and protection
Life on the Manor Peasant Homes
Everyone fits into one of the following Roles Those who rule Those who pray Those who fight Those who work
King Lords & Clergy Knights Lesser Lords Peasants & Serfs
King/Lord Exchange King Lord Land, (Fief) Peasants Way to Make Money (Nobility) Land, (Fief) Peasants Way to Make Money Protection Loyalty Will Fight in Army Soldiers for Army Cut of Taxes Vassal of King
The Lord/Knight Exchange Knight Lesser noble Lord May be a Knight Land, (Fief) Peasants Protection Loyalty Will Fight for Lord Soldiers for Army Cut of Taxes Vassal of King Vassal of Higher Lord
The Lord/Peasant Exchange Lesser Lord or Knight Peasant Protection Land to Farm Served in Army Supplies Food Pays Taxes Labor Vassal of Higher Lord or King Vassal of Lord
Peasants Two types of peasants (poor farmers) Freeman- peasants who owned or rented a small plot of land Serfs- peasants who were considered to be a part of the manor (like property) Were not allowed to leave the manor Sometimes they could buy their freedom If they escaped and avoided capture for a year and one day they became free
Castles Built of stone (at first built of wood) Designed for protection not comfort Built on a hill on rocky land if not, needed a moat Moat: deep water filled or dry ditch Drafty, dirty, damp, dim, cold Small windows, little sunlight Heavy metal gate that protected the heavy wooden door Dungeons AKA Keeps- strongest part of the castle; enemies kept there- but also the hide out for the lord and family 25