Look at this… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhcJpalbFxo&feature=related- While you watch, think about the following: How were the Middle Ages different from the Roman Empire? What was life like during the Middle Ages?

What happened to the Roman Empire? The Roman Empire was in decline and eventually fell around 476 A.D. The once strong empire broke into small kingdoms The riches, cultural achievements and government found in Europe during the Roman Empire disappeared

The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages Period of history that followed the fall of the Roman Empire Time frame: 400-1500 (5th-15th century)

Causes of the Dark Ages Germanic invaders took over the Western Roman Empire What happened to the Eastern half? Became the Byzantine Empire! These Germanic invaders were illiterate decrease in scholarship and learning Spoke different languages decrease in use of Latin As a result, people were not united

Effects of the Dark Ages No central government loyal to family and personal ties rather than the government No cultural advancements No security Cities disappear people live in the countryside

Feudalism Strict social system based on land ownership This system defined a person’s social standing and job; can’t change status

Feudal Social Structure King Nobles/Church Officials Knights Peasants/Serfs

King Had high social standing and land Impossible for him to enforce his will everywhere; had limited power and control What did he do? Depended on other people to enforce his will

Nobles King gave them power in the form of land In return, they gave the King loyalty, protection an d respect Nobles are often called lords or barons

Knights Warriors that promised to defend the land that belonged to their lord In exchange for protecting the lords, they were given land Code of chivalry: code of behavior for knights Stressed courage, loyalty and devotion to three masters: feudal lord, God, and chosen lady

Review… Compare the feudal system in Europe to the feudal system in Japan. What was the term for Japanese Warriors? Samurai What was the Japanese code of behavior for these warriors? Bushido How were these feudal systems similar? Well-defined social classes No central government

Peasants Produced labor for their lords Most people were peasants Many of them were serfs Serf: not allowed to leave the place where they were born; not slaves, but bound to the land Could not be bought or sold

Manor Economic side of feudalism Manor: lord’s land/home Lord: gave serfs housing, farmland, protection Serfs: labor, took care of lord’s land, cared for animals Self-sufficient: can provide for yourself

Life on the Manor Serfs lived in crowded cottages Life=work, work and work! Life expectancy: 35 years old Had to pay taxes Tithe: church tax; 1/10 of a peasant’s income