1. Look at this…
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?

2. 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

3. The Middle Ages

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

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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