1. Aim: How was Europe organized during the Middle Ages?
Do Now: While China, India, The Byzantines, and the Islamic Empires were experiencing a golden age, what was going on in Western Europe? For review, briefly describe what happened to western Europe at the end of the Roman Empire. What do you think a dark age is?

2. The Middle Ages Defined
After the fall of Rome, Western Europe entered a period known as the Middle Ages, also known as The Medieval Period, which lasted from 500 – 1400 A.D.
500 B.C – 476 A.D The Roman Empire
The Middle Ages or Medieval Period
The Renaissance (Rebirth)
Begins around 1400

3. The Middle Ages Defined
In general, the Middle Ages are defined by a lack of central government, decline of trade, population shift to rural areas, decrease in learning, and a rise in the power of The Roman Catholic Church.

4. The Rise of Feudalism – Political and Social Organization of Medieval Europe
The Problem: You are one of many kings ruling various kingdoms in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. You are also the proud owner of large landholdings in your area. However, you are struggling to control the nobles in your kingdom who are fighting each other to expand their landholdings and increase their power (in turn, threatening yours). In addition, you are concerned about increasing barbarian attacks from the east. What can you do to create structure in your kingdom and ensure order?
Your Solution:

5. Serfs and Peasants (90% of population)
The Rise of Feudalism – Political and Social Organization of Medieval Europe
King
Vassal (Lord)
Knights
Serfs and Peasants (90% of population)
Oath of loyalty/military support
Grant Fief (land)
Loyalty/military
Shelter/food
Labor, rent
Shelter/food
And protection

6. Feudalism

7. The Rise of Feudalism

8. The Rise of Feudalism – Political and Social Organization of Medieval Europe
Causes of Feudalism: After the fall of Rome, Western Europe was a scary place! With no strong, central government to raise a large army, there was no protection from invaders. The Feudal system emerged as a means to create social/political order and stability in society as well as to provide a system of protection
The Role of Serfs: They were bound to the land. In other words, slaves.
No social mobility! Your place in this feudal pyramid was determined by birth!

9. Medieval Social Structure

10. The Manor System – The Medieval Economic System
Sometimes the manor system is referred to as manorialism.
The manor was completely self sufficient meaning that everything that was needed was on the manor.
Very little reason to leave or travel beyond your manor.

11. Serfs

12. Knights

13. The Manor System – The Medieval Economic System
The self sufficient manor contributed to the decline of learning. No new ideas were exchanged. Technology was slow to progress.
Little use of money. Wealth based on land.

14. Strict social hierarchy based on the feudal pyramid.
Political
Religious
Strict social hierarchy based on the feudal pyramid.
Social Status determined by birth
Lack of social Mobility
Code of Chivalry
Rise in the power of the Pope and Roman Catholic Church
Pope had power of excommunication
Feudalism – Kings and nobles exchange land for loyalty and protection.
Decentralized government
People followed religious Canon Law – Led by Pope

15. Decline in learning as population shifts to rural areas
Intellectual
Technological
Economic
Manorialism
Manor system – completely self-sufficient in that it had everything that was needed
Little use of money
Little to no trade
Pay 10% tithe to church
Decline in learning as population shifts to rural areas
Technology slow to progress as exchange of ideas declines.
Most people were illiterate
Priests and monks could read and write – wrote books, mostly religious
Most technology used for military or farming – Crossbow, armor, longbow, siege weapons, early guns, heavy plough, water and wind mills, mechanical clocks, stirrups, hourglass, glass, printing press

16. Feudalism

17. Medieval Castles