1. The Middle Ages

2. Origins Empires/groups after fall of Rome; Europe fragmented
Goths
Franks
Scandinavians
Anglo-Saxons (Eventually England)
Roman influence in structure of manor
Villa system
Intellectualism/literacy declined; Church strong
Conflicts with Arab world
Iberia

3. Social structure: Feudalism
Feudalism v Manorialism
Fief and fealty (loyalty)
Balance between religion (church/pope) and politics (kings/kingdoms)
Class system of Feudalism:
King
Nobles/Lords
Knights/Vassals
Serfs (merchants/Artisans/Craftsmen/Farmers)
Innovations in agriculture, crop rotation, and moldboard

4. Beowulf fights Grendel at Heorot Hall
Economics and Culture
Trade and Banking develop
Mediterranean, North sea, Baltic zone
Coinage replaces barter system; Merchants mostly free, but low status
Guilds- Craft professionals; ensure quality/standards; protects markets/goods
Hanseatic League- Early trade agreement in Europe; “Free” trade/protection of networks throughout Europe
Women’s roles: VERY limited
Worked on manor; children
Some opportunities as nuns
Literature: Reflections/ideas of the time
Peter Abelard/Thomas Aquinas (Summas)- Faith and science/philosophy
Geoffrey Chaucer- (Canterbury Tales) Reflections of politics/society as portrayed by characters
De Troyes- (Yvain) Popularizes Arthurian legend and Knighthood/Chivalry
Anonymous Anglo-Saxon- (Beowulf) Heroic tale reflecting conflicts with old traditions v new
Beowulf fights Grendel at Heorot Hall

5. Religion and Politics Pope: influences spiritual and political power
Appoints positions
Funds missionaries
Monasticism and Benedictine rule
Benedict of Nursia ce
Spiritual functions
Supporting/maintaining holiness in society/life
Expanding the influence and network of Christianity
Pilgrimage centers
Secular functions
Education (scholasticism)
Land/property/estates
Shelter/protect travelers

6. Carolingian Dynasty (Franks) 800-924 cd
Begins with Charlemagne ce (grandson of Charles Martel)
Conquered Italy’ Germanic regions forcing Saxons to convert and/or disperse (England?!)
Defeated Slavs in Danube river region
Holy Roman Empire- Sworn protector of Christendom
Crowned emperor in 800ce (Pope recognizes legitimacy) >
Promoted learning and laws (social codes) to unify
Attempted to create a capital to rival Byzantines
Military and political savvy leads to period of internal stability
Expanded influence of church and art/culture-> Romanesque- Gothic
Used secret police/spies to maintain system/government
Educated the clergy; became administrators between church and government
Dynasty ends with Charles the Fat in 888 (Italian kings would attempt to maintain until decline complete in 924)

7. Economy and Urban Growth
Agricultural improvements= more production
Allows population growth
Leads to surpluses---> More wealth!
Education
Literacy expands
Cathedral schools and universities emerge
Growth of towns
Advancements in education
Surplus in $$
Increased production of goods >
Trade networks

8. Monarchs and Limited Government
Some lords become more powerful
Kings of own “states”/Bureaucracies
Internal conflict between feudal lords for dominance
William the Conqueror 1066 ce---> Normans take England
Political fragmentation; Monarchs limited
Church, lords, development of independent towns
Representative bodies emerge around 1000 ce
King John (Robin Hood legend) signs Magna Carta 1215
King recognizes authority of lords (parliament) and the supremacy of law

9. Expansion and Reform
Iberia---> Reconquista (reconquest) to regain territory from Muslims
Vikings----> Crossed the Atlantic; Eastern Canada------>
Crusades---> Pope Urban II in 1095; Renewed interactions with Islam
Gregorian reforms: 11th century
Based on Monasticism
Icon controversy
Struggles with empire; Promotes early idea of separating church and state

10. Strains and Decline Persistent conflicts between feudal lords
Widespread warfare between empires/groups
100 years war (France/England)---> Later response to Norman conquest
Both the highlight of chivalry and mark of the decline of feudalism
Population strips agriculture---> famines!
Aristocracy less involved in politics/military (familiar?!)
Military positions more “decorative” at this point
Church leadership became more rigid; stymied intellectualism