The Middle Ages From about 500 to 1100 A.D. (C.E.)
Foundations of Early medieval society The foundations of early medieval society are what helped to mold what medieval society would be. The classical heritage of Rome, Christian beliefs and customs of Germanic tribes helped to shape society.
The Roman Catholic Church had a great influence on society: Secular authority declined and church authority grew Monasteries preserved Greco-Roman cultural achievements Missionaries spread Christianity and Latin to Germanic tribes The Pope appointed Charlemagne Emperor (800 A.D., C.E.) Parish priests served religious and social needs of the people
Feudalism and the Manor Invasions shattered Roman protection over the Empire. Feudalism developed out of a need for protection. Feudalism is a system of giving land to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military aid.
Nobles and Fiefs Nobles who swore an oath of loyalty and military support would receive a fief. Nobles who received land from a higher-ranking noble were called vassals. The resulting tie between a lord and a vassal is called feudal obligation. Noble/Lord Gives land Gives loyalty Vassal
Fiefs are estates with peasants. The peasants were people who were bound to the land and had to ask permission to leave. They could not be bought or sold. They produced food, clothing and tools.
21. Describe the social hierarchy in Medieval Europe. Kings Nobles/Vassals Knights Peasants
Castles During this time, nobles built castles for defense. Castles were usually built on a hill or a mound and were surrounded by a moat.
The Manorial System A manor (large estate that varied from several hundred to several thousand acres) included: The Lord’s manor house or castle Pastures for livestock (animals) Field for crops Forest areas Village where peasants lived Church Manors were self-sufficient!
Age of Charlemagne and the Rise of the Franks
The Rise of the Franks Frankish (French) rulers emerged as a force in western Europe. Clovis became king over many different Frankish tribes, eventually controlling northern Gaul (France).
Another Frankish leader, Charles Martel (also called Charles the Hammer), defeated the Spanish Moors at the Battle of Tours. This stopped the spread of Islam into Europe.
Pepin the Short, who was the son of Charles Martel, established a new line of Frankish rulers called the Carolingians. Pepin’s son, Charlemagne, would become the greatest Frankish king.
The Age of Charlemagne Charlemagne was crowned Emperor in 800 A.D. (C.E.) by the pope. Three things Charlemagne did in Medieval Europe. Emphasized the importance of education Spread Christian beliefs and church teachings Reinterpreted Roman culture
Most of Western Europe was eventually included in Charlemagne’s new empire. Churches, roads and schools were built to unite the empire.
Invasions during the Middle Ages
Invasions disrupted trade, towns declined and the feudal system (which provided protection) was strengthened. Invasions caused the decline of the Frankish empire and reinforced the feudal system.
Invasions - Germanic tribes like the Angles and Saxons moved from continental Europe to England. - Magyars from Central Asia invaded Hungary. - Vikings (from Scandinavia) invaded many countries, including Russia.