1. The Collapse of Rome The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 C.E. Eastern Roman Empire remained intact for another 1,000 years (capital = Constantinople). The Christian Church kept elements of Roman civilization. When Rome fell, there was a breakdown in central authority, people started looking to LOCAL rulers for protection and guidance.

2. So begins the “Middle Ages” in between ancient Rome and the Modern Era (Renaissance)! Early Middle Ages: 500 – 1000 C.E. High Middle Ages: 1000 – 1250 C.E. Late Middle Ages: 1250 – 1500 C.E. This time frame has often been called the “Dark Ages” due to the cultural and economic deterioration and absence of a strong and stable government!

3. Europe in the 6 th Century

4. Charlemagne Was crowned king of Roman Empire by Pope Leo III (approx. 800 C.E.) He tried to unify his lands and spread Christianity Revived Latin learning Widened the split between east and west When he died, Europe was once again in chaos!

5. Pope Crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor: Dec. 25, 800

7. Feudalism & the Manor Economy Feudalism: a loosely organized system of rule in which powerful local lords divided their landholdings among lesser lords. Feudal contract: the relationship between lords and vassals was established by an exchange of pledges = “contract”.

8. FEUDALISM: A political, economic, and social system based on loyalty and military service.

9. Everyone had a place, very structured! -- HIERARCHY Monarch (King and Queen) Powerful Lords (Dukes and Counts) Vassals Lower Vassals/Lords Knights Serfs = peasants bound to the land

10. There was no ONE ruler of Europe!

11. Peasants and Manor Life Heart of Medieval economy was the manor = the Lord’s estate. Included one or more villages and the surrounding lands. Peasants worked and lived on the manor. Most peasants were serfs — not slaves! They were bound to the land, NOT free to go wherever they wanted, and if a new lord took over the serfs came with the estate.

12. Mutual Rights and Obligations NoblesPeasants OBLIGATIONS Military service to lord Protected vassals Worked land for lord Provided other services and fees to lord RIGHTS & BELIEFS Granted fiefs for service to lord Controlled peasants and towns on fief Protection from lord Farmed part of fief for themselves THEIR LIVES Constantly at war with other lords Lived in castles Serfs were bound to the land Produced almost everything they needed Harsh living conditions

13. The Medieval Manor

14. Carcassonne: A Medieval Castle

15. Parts of a Medieval Castle

16. Life on the Medieval Manor Serfs at work

17. The Life of a Peasant/Serf Peasants: Worked from sun up to sun down Ate a simple diet of black bread with vegetables Few peasants lived beyond 35 because of disease Produced everything they needed like clothes, furniture, tools No schooling or knowledge of the outside world

18. Feudal Warfare Warfare was a way of life. Rival lords battled constantly for power. Nobles trained from boyhood for an occupation as a KNIGHT  mounted warrior.

19. CHIVALRY Chivalry: code of conduct Loyal, brave, true Fight fairly, treat a captive knight well Applied to nobility NOT commoners

20. Middle Ages: Cornell Notes Cues:Notes Summary: Through interdependence, feudalism provided people with protection and other benefits. Everyone in medieval society had a clearly defined role.