Essential question How and why did the church grow in importance during the Middle Ages?

Feudalism

Feudalism evolved out of need for protection from invasions after the decline of Roman influence. Feudalism - loosely organized system of government in which local lords divided their land among lesser lords. (vassals)

Relationship between lords and vassals was established by exchange of pledges known as feudal contract. Lord granted vassal a fief. (estate)

Middle Ages Fief

Vassal also given peasants to work land and any town or buildings on land. Lord promised to protect vassal and vassal pledged loyalty to lord - gave 40 days military service each year and money payments.

Structure of Society Very rigid social structure Below monarchs were lords. (dukes and counts) These lords had vassals who in turn had vassals. Some vassals had more than one lord - owed first loyalty to the original lord.

Rival lords battled constantly. Many nobles trained as knights.

At age seven boy who was to become knight sent away to castle of father’s lord. Learned to ride and fight. Strict discipline and training. After training dubbed knight.

Code of Chivalry- Moral system Code of Chivalry- Moral system. qualities idealized by the Medieval knights such as bravery, courtesy, honor and great gallantry toward women. When feudal warfare declined, tournaments (mock battles) took their place.

Medieval Tournaments

Castles Lords fortified homes to withstand attack. Had a keep (wooden tower) ringed by fence. Separated from surrounding area by moat.

Became larger and grander. Those living in castles stocked up on food and water so they could withstand long battle.

Lord’s estate was called a manor. Included one or more village and surrounding lands. Most peasants were serfs and bound to land. Not slaves, but not free. Could not leave manor without permission.

Peasants had to work several days a week farming. Also worked on roads, bridges, etc. Paid lord when married, inherited land, etc. Had right to farm several acres for selves. Had lord’s protection from wars. Could not be forced off land.

Manor was self-sufficient. Most peasants never really left. Manor included huts, church, mill, manor house.

Life As a Peasant Harsh Worked from sunup to sundown. Ate black bread and vegetables – rarely had meat. Family slept with their animals in one room hut.

When they weren’t farming they were working on other chores. Few lived past 35. Had week off at Christmas and Easter.