FeudalismDefinition: the economic and political system that developed in Europe during the Middle Ages Significance: To protect themselves and their property from barbarians, Europeans developed feudalism People were born into their social class and stayed there for life The monarchs were richest and had the most power

Lord Definition: a ruler or powerful leader Significance: Great lords grew very powerful and ruled their fiefs like independent states Lords job to manage and defend land L appointed officials to make sure villagers fulfilled their duties Only men were part of the feudal relationship between lord and vassal some women held fiefs and inherited land and held same duties as men except fighting Noblewomen raised families, oversaw their households – including the people who worked for them Leisure- enjoyed hunting feasting, dancing, board games – women – embroidery – entertainment by musicians and jesters Even the richest faced cold/dark houses, little privacy fleas & lice, bathed only once a week, disease

Knight Definition: an armored warrior Significance: Mounted soldiers – rode horses Had some wealth to afford armor and horse Took years of training to become a knight Started as a page (7 years old) – learned to sing. dance, play music became a squire- took care of knight’s armor, learned to fight, practiced battles At 20 became a knight – a complex ceremony involving prayer and bathing (to show purity) Participated in jousting tournaments Armor was heavy & got better with time knights lasted until 17 th century – guns changed how they fought

Peasant Definition: in feudalism, a person who worked the land Significance: Lords rented land to peasants – free peasants most people were peasants Had to produce everything needed on the manor Life revolved around raising crops and livestock Others worked as carpenters, shoemakers blacksmiths Peasant women also worked in fields when needed Women also cared for children and their homes Had to pay many taxes to their lord Peasants lived in small, dark, smoky 1 or 2 room houses Had little furniture or possessions Ate vegetables, meat and bread Preserved meat and fish with salt

SerfDefinition: the bottom level of peasants who were not free to leave the lord’s land Significance: Had to farm the lord’s land in exchange for a small plot of land of their own Could not leave the land The poorest, very hard life

ClovisDefinition: Became King of the Franks at 15 in 481 C.E. Significance: Defeated the Roman Army in Gaul ruled 30 years Widened the boundaries of the Frankish kingdom accepted Christianity - his wife was a Christian Many of his followers became Christians

CharlemagneDefinition: The most important leader of the Franks. Ruled as king from 768 – 814 C.E. Significance: Ruled for over 40 years – strong leader Could not read or write – but had scholarly books read to him - Encouraged education Unified almost all the Christian lands in Europe into a single empire His empire quickly fell apart after his death

Roman Catholic ChurchDefinition: The Christian church headed by the pope in Rome Significance: The churches blessing told Europeans that God is on Charlemagne’s side

Manor Definition: a large estate, including farmland and villages, held by a lord Significance: Most lords and knights lived on manors Included a castle or manor house, one or more villages, and the surrounding farmland Manors were protected by walls and moats M houses were surrounded by gardens and stables Manor house was the center of the community Villagers came inside the manor house for protection It was also the place for special celebrations Kings & queens and high nobles had castles

Divine right of kingsDefinition: the belief that God gives monarchs the right to rule Significance: most monarchs in the middle ages believed this idea This idea gave monarchs the backing of the church which gave them even more power

hierarchyDefinition: a system of organizing people into ranks, with those of higher rank having more power and privileges Significance: The large castles were strong visual reminders of the barriers between social classes The 4 main ranks (classes) are Monarch, Nobles, Knights and Peasants

chivalryDefinition: the medieval knights code of ideal behavior, including bravery, loyalty, and respect for women Significance: Knights were expected to be loyal to the church & their lord They were expected to be fair, just, and show kindness to women

BarbarianDefinition: a person belonging to a tribe or group that is considered uncivilized Significance: controlled areas outside the Roman Empire (Europe) 3 main groups attacked Europe– Muslims, Magyars, Vikings Vikings known for terrifying raids Those who resisted were killed, others taken by Vikings

ChristianityDefinition: a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ Significance: Christianity became the main religion of Europe Oaths were also sworn to the church as well as the lords and monarchs

PopeDefinition: the bishop of Rome and supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church Significance: Leo III helped Charlemagne build his empire The churches blessing told Europeans God was on Charlemagne’s side

MonarchDefinition: a ruler, such as a king or queen Significance: All land in the kingdom belonged to the monarch Came from feudal lords Many had to rely on their vassals to provide an army some monarchs had little In England – monarchs became strong William the Conqueror brought feudal systems from Europe to England

fiefDefinition: land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service Significance: Could be held by noble men and women Lords got their land from kings in exchange for promising knights and soldiers in time of war.

NobleDefinition: a person of high rank by birth or title Significance: Lords and vassals made up the noble rank Officials were appointed from the noble class Provided kings with knights and soldiers

Vassal Definition: a person who held land from a feudal lord and received protection in return for honor and allegiance Significance: Lords became the king’s vassals Lesser nobles and knights became the lord’s vassals