The Development of Feudalism in Western

Europe

Chapter 2

2.1 Introduction• With the fall of Rome came an economic & political system called

feudalism.• Lords = rulers• Knights = armed warriors• Peasants = those who work the land• Why did this feudal system become necessary for those living in western

Europe?

2.2 What Was Western Europe Like During the Middle Ages?

• After the fall of Rome, Europe was left with no central government or defense.

What Was Charlemagne’s Empire?

• The Franks were the first to come up with the idea of the Knight (armed soldier on horseback).

• What does a knight receive for fighting for a ruler or lord?• Land and privileges • Clovis defeated the last great Roman army, expanded the

Frankish Empire, and led the Franks to Christianity.

Clovis being baptized

Frankish Knight

Cont.

• Charlemagne was king of Franks from 768-814.• In 800, Pope Leo III crowned him Holy Roman Emperor,

thereby uniting the Christian lands of Europe.• What does the Pope’s blessing imply about the king?• Made it seem as though God had chosen Charlemagne.

6’4” tall

Progression of Charlemagne’s Empire

Less than 30 years after he died…

Why Was There a Need for Order and Protection?

• 3 main groups threatened western Europe in 9th & 10th centuries:

• Who do you think they are?• Muslims from Near East & Africa• Magyars from Asia• Vikings from Norway & Denmark

Muslim WarriorsViking Warrior

MagyarWarrior

Where were they all coming from?

2.3 Feudalism: How Did It Establish Order?

• Why did it develop?• By 1000 C.E. feudalism had developed to provide safety & a stable social

order.• Who was at the top of the system?• Monarchs (king): owned all land• Lords (king’s vassals): king gave them land• Knights (lord’s vassals): soldiers• Peasants: rented land• Serfs: tied to the land

Cont.

• Lords & knights lived on manors, which included castle, village, & farmland.

• What do you think their main job was?

2.4 What Were Monarchs?

• Monarchs believed in the divine right of kings, that God gave them the right to rule.

• How do kings get soldiers?• Most had to rely on vassals (nobles) for

soldiers.• In 1066, when William (Duke of Normandy)

defeats his cousin Harold at Hastings & b/c king of England, feudalism began in England.

Combatants at the Battle of Hastings

William The Conqueror

Versus

King Harold

Battle of Hastings

2.5 What Were Lords and Ladies During Feudal Times?

• They were members of the highest-ranking class in medieval society.

What Were Manor Houses and Castles?• Manor houses were often surrounded by stone walls or

moats.• What’s a moat?• Manor house was the center of the community. Served as a

place for protection and celebration.• What do kings live in?• Kings and high ranking nobles lived in castles, which were

built to protect and show power.

Manor Houses

How are the castles different?

Elements of a castle

What Were the Responsibilities and Daily Life of Lords and Ladies?

• Lord’s main job was to manage & defend his land and the people who worked it.

• Women could hold fiefs and carry out the same duties as noblemen.

• Ladies were responsible for raising kids & overseeing household (which could include 100’s of people).

• How did Nobles enjoy free time?• How was life uncomfortable for nobles?

2.6 What Were Knights During Feudal Times?

• Knights had some wealth, suit of armor, and a horse.

How Did One Become a Knight?• Started out as a page at age 7. Learned riding,

religion, dancing, music, etc.• Became squire at 14. Was knight’s laborer and

learned to fight.• What do you think they learned to fight with?• In their 20’s, they would be knighted.

Medieval knight’s sword

A Knight’s lance

A Knight’s battle-axe

A Knight’s mace

A Knight’s armor

What Were the Responsibilities and Daily Life Of Knights?

• A knight’s most important form of training was chivalry. They were expected to be loyal to church and lord, to be just and fair, and to protect the helpless.

• Knights were often involved in jousts and tournaments.

• Why do you think knight’s were no longer effective after the 17th century?

Knight’s armor in the 11th century

Horses armor in the 16th century

16th century Knight’s armor

2.7 What Were Peasants during Feudal Times?

• Most people were peasants, who supported the entire feudal system by working the land.

• They could either be free (rented land), or serfs (had to work lord’s land).

• What do you think they spent most of their time doing?

• Most peasants raised crops, but some were craftsmen.

• Serfs paid heavy taxes to their lords.• What do you think their houses were like?

Serf’s House