1. What does noble mean?
Possessing hereditary rank in a political system or social class derived from a feudalistic stage of a country's development.
Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor: a noble spirit.
Of high birth or social position: aristocratic, blue-blooded, elite, highborn, highbred, patrician, thoroughbred, upper-class, wellborn.

2. Nobles or Lords AKA…
Baron — a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank
Count — a nobleman (in various countries) having rank equal to a British earl
Duke — a nobleman (in various countries) of high rank
Grandee — a nobleman of highest rank in Spain or Portugal
Marquis, marquess — nobleman (in various countries) ranking above a count
Sire — a title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority

3. Oh (gasp). But who will save them from having to learn about- us?
Stand back fair maiden! I will protect you from those ferocious middle school children.
Oh (gasp). But who will save them from having to learn about- us?
Feudal Europe

4. First Kings Germanic tribes took over after Rome Fought for own land
Strongest man/fiercest warrior made king
Europe 500 AD

5. Europeans Needed Protection
During the 9th & 10th centuries Europe was invaded from every direction
North
Viking invasions
South
Muslims had conquered territory
Feudalism grows because the weak needed protection!

6. King Divides His Lands Awards land called “fiefs” to his top men
Become nobles- called lords or…
The lords became vassals of the king
Vassals- loyalty given for land & protection

7. Even Vassals Have Vassals
The king is the head of the nobility- called royalty
Nobles want more power
Nobles gave fiefs to lesser nobles
These lesser nobles became vassals too
All were vassals except for the king
Vassal= you swear loyalty; and agree someone else is above you!

8. Feudalism In Europe
As time passed, land in Europe was divided into smaller kingdoms and fiefdoms
The kings did not command one large, central empire
Feudalism- land owned by king or lord, vassals (including peasants) were expected to work, pay taxes, and fight for their lord

9. Europe 500 AD
Europe 500 AD

11. Europe 800 AD

12. Europe 900 AD

13. Europe 1000 AD

14. Europe 1500 AD

15. Europe 1800 AD

16. Europe 1900

17. The Manor System Way of organizing economy
Manor- large area of farmland that also contains, peasant villages, a church, and typically a castle/manor house for protection
The manor was run by the lord or king
Peasants- fought and farmed in exchange for land and protection

18. Life on the Manor
Peasant Homes

19. Everyone fits into one of the following Roles
Those who rule
Those who pray
Those who fight
Those who work

20. King
Lords
&
Clergy
Knights
Lesser Lords
Peasants & Serfs

21. King/Lord Exchange King Lord Land, (Fief) Peasants Way to Make Money
(Nobility)
Land, (Fief)
Peasants
Way to Make Money
Protection
Loyalty
Will Fight in Army
Soldiers for Army
Cut of Taxes
Vassal of King

22. The Lord/Knight Exchange
Knight Lesser noble
Lord
May be a
Knight
Land, (Fief)
Peasants
Protection
Loyalty
Will Fight for Lord
Soldiers for Army
Cut of Taxes
Vassal of King
Vassal of Higher Lord

23. The Lord/Peasant Exchange
Lesser Lord or Knight
Peasant
Protection
Land to Farm
Served in Army
Supplies Food
Pays Taxes
Labor
Vassal of Higher Lord or King
Vassal of Lord

24. Peasants Two types of peasants (poor farmers)
Freeman- peasants who owned or rented a small plot of land
Serfs- peasants who were considered to be a part of the manor (like property)
Were not allowed to leave the manor
Sometimes they could buy their freedom
If they escaped and avoided capture for a year and one day they became free

25. Castles Built of stone (at first built of wood)
Designed for protection not comfort
Built on a hill on rocky land if not, needed a moat
Moat: deep water filled or dry ditch
Drafty, dirty, damp, dim, cold
Small windows, little sunlight
Heavy metal gate that protected the heavy wooden door
Dungeons AKA Keeps- strongest part of the castle; enemies kept there- but also the hide out for the lord and family 25