1. The Middle ages

2. How did the Middle Ages begin?
The fall of the Roman Empire led to no central Government
The Catholic Church emerged as the top social and political power
Rise in Feudalism
Byzantium survived as the center of classical culture in Eastern Europe

3. Fall of the Roman Empire 476 A.D.
Barbarian tribes from North Europe invade Roman lands
No central power in Western Europe
Trade declines because the Roman army no longer protected the trade routes
Learning and technological advances are disrupted

4. Rise of the Catholic Church
It became the most powerful social and political organization
People believed that the Church held the power to send them to Heaven or Hell
Became very wealthy
Became the center of all learning in Western Europe

5. Feudalism Lords – local independent leaders
Able to grant land, called a fief
Vassals – person who received a fief
Primogeniture – system of inheritance from father to son
Women - all property became husband’s property at marriage
Warfare – private fights between feudal lords
Fought by Lords and their Knights
Fought for glory and wealth
Church forbade fighting near church grounds

6. Provided some stability to the people’s lives after the fall of Rome
Society was divided into classes
Kings: Supreme Ruler
Nobles & Clergy: Nobles served the king with their Knights and armies
Knights: Protected the noble’s land, served in his army
Serf/Peasants: Lowest class, farmed the land of the nobles

7. Feudal Justice Could be decided three ways: Trial by battle
Dual between accused and accuser
Oath taking
Supported by people taking an oath of truth
Similar to character witnesses in trials
Trial by ordeal
Accused would have to survive ordeal
Hand in boiling oil, holding hot coals, submersion in freezing water
Healing time determined guilt or innocence
Often used in witch-hunts

8. Manorial System Manorial system shaped Europe’s economy
Each manor was self-sufficient
Lord shared land with peasants
Peasants/serfs led very difficult lives
Worked land, gave their harvest to the noble
Could not leave the manor without permission
Rarely could afford meat
Life expectancy was very low
Suffered from starvation, disease, and constant warfare

9. Manor consisted of the noble’s house surrounded by his lands
Included a church, mill, blacksmith, bakery
Peasants lived in the village

11. Chivalry Rules (or code) that dictated knights’ behavior
Comes from word Cheval (“horse”)
Noble class
Began at age 7
Became a knight’s “page” or assistant
Would learn manners and how to use and care for weapons
Knight had to be courageous, loyal, well mannered