MEDIEVAL EUROPE The East-West divide
WESTERN EUROPE By 500 ce, Roman Empire had fallen to Germanic tribes and invasions People became dependent on each other and a MANORIAL SYSTEM developed
MANORIAL SYSTEM A reciprocal system of obligations Serfs worked the land and received protection, land and housing Created 3-field system SELF-SUFFICIENCY
FeudalismFeudalism A political, economic, and social system based on loyalty and military service.
Romanesque Architectural Style e Rounded Arches. e Barrel vaults. e Thick walls. e Darker, simplistic interiors. e Small windows, usually at the top of the wall.
Carcassonne: A Medieval Castle
WESTERN CHURCH The church was the only organization that kept Europe together – POPE in ROME Investiture Controversy – who will control ecclesiastical appointments– it’s a conflict between Popes and Kings Monasticism – monastaries: places of literary learning
FEUDAL SOCIETY Muslims found the Europeans to be backwards (when met during Crusades) Jewish communities were hurt – stereotypes New technologies (horse collar, three-field system, new plow) and fewer raids = population growth = economic innovation & towns from 900 onwards
POLITICS In early Middle Ages – Kings were very weak A “new” Roman Empire were attempted: a)Charlemagne b)Holy Roman emperors CRUSADES
EASTERN EUROPE - BYZANTINE BYZANTINE EMPIRE: in some ways started with Constantinople – a vibrant city When Roman Empire fell, Byzantine continued to ward off invaders (Huns, Sassanian, etc…) Justinian achievements contrast with fall
BYZANTINE SOCIETY & PARALLELS Women confined to homes, wore veils (compare to Islam) United language of Greek – scholars! (W. Europe) Emperor was ordained by God (China) Bureaucrats recruited from all classes (China) Peasant class important to keeping capital fed Beautiful religious mosaics and icon paintings
EASTERN ORTHODOX SCHISM Why? -Different rituals developed -Emperors resented papal control -Bread with yeast & celibacy for priests -BREAK in late 12 th century
RUSSIA Kievian Russia developed around Kiev Vladimir I of Novgorod chose Eastern Orthodox Christianity 980 ce Stayed Eastern Orthodox even during Mongols (or Tartars as they were called in Russia)