1. Medieval Society
Feudalism:
A Life of Obligation

2. Invaders Attack Western Europe
The Vikings
Originally from Scandinavia
Nicknames - “Eric Bloodaxe”
Quick raids
B. Magyars and Muslims
1. Magyars attacked from the East (Hungary); took captives as slaves;
2. Attacked villages and monasteries
3. Muslims from the South; expert seafarers
4. Plan to conquer and settle in Europe

4. THE STRUCTURE OF THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH
THE POPE – Bishop of Rome, and
the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Claimed to have authority
over all Christians.
Cardinals – Next level
of authority, and close
advisors of both Pope
and kings.
Bishop – oversaw the salvation of a territory within the Archbishops territory.
Priests – Oversaw the salvation
of individuals in part of the Bishops
territory.
Archbishop – Oversaw
the salvation of a piece of
territory within Western
Christianity.
Monks & Nuns – Separated from society, and dedicated themselves to prayer, learning, and piety.
Everyone else
Tools at the disposal of the Pope – Excommunication, Interdict, Declare you a heretic/
enemy of Christianity
Was the Pope the most powerful man in the Medieval world?

5. PEASANTS KING KNIGHTS LORDS
Feudalism – Was a system of government based on obligation to people of “higher social status”
NOT CENTRALIZED!
CHIVALRY
PEASANTS
KNIGHTS
LORDS
KING
Feudalism was born out of a need for protection, as there was no
“government” to protect people from invasions.
- THREE TYPES OF PEOPLE- Nobility, Clergy, Peasants
Lords vassals of King – Knights vassals of Lords – Peasants worked for
Lords – Lords protected the Peasants & Clergy – Clergy made sure everyone
went to Heaven.

6. Manorialism Economic side of Feudalism
Manor vs. Castle – A castle was a military structure, while a manor was the house of a great lord.

7. Castles do not become common until after the year 1000, as they were
expensive to build and maintain.

8. Life on the Manor Terms to Know: Three Field Crop Rotation Fallow
Peasant vs. Serf
Fief
Village
Manor House
Peasants/serfs farmed the land, Lords ensured their safety and
provided them a place to live, Local
priest ensured their salvation.
Peasants/serfs paid taxes/rent to Lord. Peasants/serfs and Lord paid taxes to Church (Tithe)
Church provided all social services
to the village & Lord.

9. Keeping Order in the Middle Ages

12. Keeping order for
the more hardened
criminal.