1. 1 Aim: How did the feudal system govern life in Europe? (9th C-12th C) Do Now: Handout on “Europe- 9th and 10th C” 1.What is this report telling us? 2. If you were a King, soldier, landowner, or peasant at the time, how would you approach life?

2. 2 WHY WAS FEUDALISM NECESSARY?

3. 3 Political/Military Structure Feudalism originated partly as result of Viking, and Muslim invasions Kings unable to defend their lands. Nobles had to find way to defend own lands Some built castles, often on hills

4. 4 Homage Oath-Handout What were John of Toul obligations? Which person gain the most? least?

5. 5 Obligations Oath of Fealty Lords, vassals in feudal system had duties to fulfill to one another Knight’s chief duty as vassal to provide military service to his lord Had to promise to remain loyal; promise called oath of fealty Financial Obligations Knight had certain financial obligations to lord Knight obligated to pay ransom for lord’s release if captured in battle

6. 6 Lord’s Obligations Lord had to treat knights fairly, not demanding too much time, money Had to protect knight if attacked by enemies

7. 7 Knight Almost all nobles were knights Became squires at age 15 and were trained by other knights Those deemed worthy were “dubbed” knights Knights were usually paid for their services with land Land given to knight for service was called a fief Anyone accepting fief was called a vassal Person from whom he accepted fief was his lord

8. 8 Contract loyalty food Military protection Provide knights in times of war

9. 9 CONSTRUCTING THE PYRAMID OR POWER

10. 10 CONSTRUCTING THE PYRAMID OF POWER LESSER NOBLES (KNIGHTS) LABORPROTECTION SERFS AND FREEMEN

11. 11 CONSTRUCTING THE PYRAMID OF POWER LESSER NOBLES (KNIGHTS) LABORPROTECTION POWERFUL NOBLES SERFS AND FREEMEN LAND AND PROTECTION LOYALTY AND MILITARY SERVICE

12. 12 CONSTRUCTING THE PYRAMID OF POWER LESSER NOBLES (KNIGHTS) LABORPROTECTION POWERFUL NOBLES KING SERFS AND FREEMEN LAND AND PROTECTION LAND LOYALTY AND SERVICE LOYALTY AND MILITARY SERVICE

13. 13 A Tale of Chivalry 1. According to the Troyes’ Tales, how were women treated? 2. What characteristics would make some people admire Eric?

14. 14 Workers on the Manor There were two groups of peasant workers on the manor Freemen- skilled workers who paid rent and could leave the manor whenever they wished. (They usually had a skill needed by others on the manor.) Serfs – workers bound to the land by contract with the nobles. (They had no freedom - they where the noble’s property.)