Feudalism
A Darker Dark Age? Charlemagne died in 814 A.D. What happens to an empire when a strong leader dies? As a result, the Carolingian Empire was divided into three parts – one to each grandson Vikings! Fought each-other for control of empire! Also invaded by… Vikings! Magyars (Asia) Arabic Empire! Magyars! Arabic Empire!
What would you do? The situation: You are a local townsperson in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. You face certain invasion from outside empires, and your national government is defenseless. To whom do you turn for protection?
The Result of the Problem Rulers found it increasingly difficult to defend large tracts of land People began to turn to local officials to protect them. Feudalism - The political and social order of the European middle ages. Feudal Contract – A set of unwritten rules that guide the system. Vassal - A man who served a lord in a military capacity. Knight - Heavily armored cavalry Fief - Land granted from a noble to a vassal or knight
The King’s Role The King’s role is to offer protection to the lesser nobles.
The Noble’s Role The Noble’s role was to use their armies to serve and protect the king. The King, in return, offered them lands and protection.
The Knight’s Role Knights offered service and protection to their nobles. In return, they received land grants called fiefs.
Peasant’s Role Peasants served their lords (nobles). In return, they received protection.
Manorialism Manor – an agricultural estate that a lord ran and peasants worked. Serfs = peasants legally bound to the land. (60% of Europe!) Serfs work land for lord (1/3 or ½ of estate), worked rest of land to feed themselves.
Roles in a Manor Reading - Groups What was life like for people of your “role” in the manor? How did people in your role contribute to the feudal/manorial system?