Feudalism & The Medieval Church

Feudalism in Europe

Feudalism in Europe Feudalism- System of rule in which

powerful local lords divided their landholdings among lesser lords (Vassals)

A fief, or estate, was granted to a vassal through a feudal contract in exchange for military service.

The World of Nobles Knight- Mounted warrior; What is this

similar to in Japanese feudalism?

Participated in tournaments- mock

battles to increase fighting skill.

Noblewomen & Chivalry Noblewomen had active role in society

Eleanor of Aquitaine- Became Queen of France & later Queen of England; leading force in politics for over 50 years.

Chivalry- Code of conduct for knights: Bravery& loyalty. Placed women on a pedestal. Troubadours- Wandering poets who praised the perfection

and beauty of women How is this similar or different from bushido?

The Medieval Church Monks & Nuns

Devoted their lives to spiritual goals. Benedictine Rule: Took vows of poverty, chastity &

obedience Looked after the poor & the sick

The Power of the Church Grows Controlled spiritual & secular (worldly) life of medieval

Europeans Papal Supremacy- Pope’s authority over all secular

rulers

Religious Authority Canon Law- Church body of laws, anyone

who disobeyed faced penalties Most severe was excommunication- deprived or

limited participation in church; could not receive sacraments or Christian burial

Success of the church brought problems…

Reform Movements Monks & nuns began to ignore their vows, clergy

lived in luxury, priests began to marry- so people began to call for reform

Francis of Assisi- Set up orders of friars- monks who traveled around Europe preaching to the poor

Jews in Europe Christian persecution of Jews increased- forced to migrate Anti-Semitism- prejudice against Jews; Jews were

blamed for any illness, famine, disaster, economic woes