Feudalism:A Life of Obligation

Medieval Society

I. Invaders Attack Western Europe

A. The Vikings1. Originally from

Scandinavia2. Nicknames - “Eric

Bloodaxe”3. Quick raids

B. Magyars and Muslims1. 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

THE POPE – Bishop of Rome, andthe head of the Roman Catholic Church. Claimed to have authorityover all Christians.Cardinals – Next level

of authority, and close advisors of both Pope and kings.

Archbishop – Oversawthe salvation of a piece of territory within WesternChristianity.

Bishop – oversaw the salvation of a territory within the Archbishops territory.

Priests – Oversaw the salvationof individuals in part of the Bishopsterritory.

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

THE STRUCTURE OF THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH

Was the Pope the most powerful man in the Medieval world?

KING

KNIGHTS

PEASANTS

LORDS

Feudalism – Was a system of government based on obligation to people of “higher social status”

-NOT CENTRALIZED!

-CHIVALRY

-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.

ManorialismEconomic side of Feudalism

Manor vs. Castle – A castle was a military structure, while a manor was the house of a great lord.

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

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, Localpriest ensured their salvation.

Peasants/serfs paid taxes/rent to Lord. Peasants/serfs and Lord paid taxes to Church (Tithe)

Church provided all social servicesto the village & Lord.

Keeping Order in the Middle Ages

Keeping order forthe more hardenedcriminal.