The Middle Ages 1066-1485
Life in Medieval Society History of the Times Medieval society was dependent on strictly defined social classes—nobility, knights, priests, merchants, and peasants. The contributions of each group affected how well villages and towns prospered. Villages, built around castles, were the fundamental center of medieval society. Social mobility was nearly impossible in the Middle Ages. Social rank remained fixed.
The bulk of society consisted of laborers. The Middle Ages This illustration from the Golf Book of Hours shows peasants taking a break from their work in the fields. The bulk of society consisted of laborers. Peasants owned their land; serfs did not. Serfs were little more than slaves to their overlords.
Growth of Cities and Towns Most merchants and artisans lived in villages Merchant class—people earn their own money Villagers viewed themselves as having more freedom for art Townspeople’s tastes influence arts, ballads, plays, and so on
Life in Medieval Society History of the Times Medieval man was not a dreamer nor a wanderer. He was an organizer, a codifier, and a builder of systems. William of Normandy defeated and killed King Harold of England, the last of the Anglo-Saxon kings. The Normans never withdrew from England. William the Conqueror inventoried every piece of property in England. For the first time people could be taxed based on what they owned.
Social Status Regardless of how hard a merchant worked or how much money an artisan earned, social status was fixed. A family’s only hope was to apprentice a son to a higher vocation or “marry up” a daughter to a husband from a higher class.
Life in Medieval Society Feudalism Feudalism emerged as a property and a military system. Ultimately it was based on a religious concept of hierarchy with God as the supreme overlord. The system operated from the landless knights and serfs, who were not free to leave the land they tilled. The Feudal system carried a sense of form that shown through the life, art, and literature of the Middle Ages. This sense of formality came to life in the institution of knighthood and in the code of chivalry.
A code of conduct that covered how to treat a lady— Courtly love Code of Chivalry A code of conduct that covered how to treat a lady— Courtly love How to help others How to resist the urge to run away if captured Whom to defend—knight’s lord, the king, and the Christian faith
Some of the Rules of Chivalry Defend the weak and innocent. ·Live to serve King and Country. ·Destroy evil in all of its monstrous forms. ·Live to defend Crown and Country and all it holds dear. ·Crush the monsters that steal our land and rob our people. ·Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect and honor. ·Fight with honor. ·Avenge the wronged. ·Live for freedom, justice and all that is good. ·Never abandon a friend, ally, or noble cause. ·Never attack an unarmed foe. ·Fight for the ideals of king, country, and chivalry. ·Never use a weapon on an opponent not equal to the attack. ·Die with valor. ·Never attack from behind. ·Always keep one's word of honor. ·Avoid lying to your fellow man. ·Always maintain one's principles. ·Avoid cheating. ·Never betray a confidence or comrade. ·Avoid torture. ·Avoid deception. Obey the law of king, country, and chivalry. ·Respect life and freedom. ·Administer justice. ·Die with honor. Protect the innocent. ·Exhibit manners. ·Exhibit self control. ·Be polite and attentive. ·Show respect to authority. ·Be respectful of host, women, and honor. ·Respect women. ·Loyalty to country, King, honor, freedom, and the code of chivalry. ·Exhibit courage in word and deed. ·
Courtly Love The knight When training was complete, he was dubbed or ceremonially tapped on his shoulder. Adored the lady and was inspired by her Glorified the lady in words The lady Remained pure and out of reach Was set above her admirer The idea that acting in the name of a lady would make a knight braver and better
Women in Medieval Society Women had no political rights Subservient to a man Peasant women – childbearing, housework, fieldwork Women of high status – childrearing and household supervision
Literature of the Times Some medieval writers began to use the vernacular, or language of the people. Works written in English, such as ballads and romances, helped to define England’s identity. A new literary form—the romance—becomes popular, reflecting the concepts of courtly love and chivalry. Scholarly works from monasteries and universities reflect society’s interest in moral instruction and morality plays.
New genre of literature Inspired by legends of chivalrous knights The Romance New genre of literature Inspired by legends of chivalrous knights Hero goes on quest to conquer evil enemy Hero often has magical help Includes stories of distant, idealized courtly love
Happenings in the Period The Crusades – a series of wars waged by European Christians against Muslims, with Jerusalem and the Holy Land as the prize Pilgrimages made to the shrine of Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. Magna Carta signed 1215 (basis for English constitutional law) The Hundred Years War (England vs. France) Black Death (reduced the population by a third)