1. Goals for today
Define important terms that are associated with feudalism Explain the factors that led to the rise of Feudalism in Europe Identify the roles of kings, lords, knights, and serfs in the Feudal System Evaluate the Feudal system

2. Periodization Early Middle Ages: 500 – 1000
High Middle Ages: – 1250
Late Middle Ages:

3. Feudalism
Political and social system based on the granting of land in exchange for loyalty, military assistance, and other services

4. Europe in the 6c

5. The Middle Ages or Medieval Period
( 500 CE CE.)
Rise of
New
Kingdoms/States that are not united
New Kingdoms are unable to protect themselves from
Barbarian
Invasions, causing a need for localized Protection
Barbarian Invasions cause the
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The
Rise of Feudalism in Europe

6. Feudalism
Developed as a result of frequent invasions in western Europe
Kings and nobles needed a way to protect their lands

7. Feudalism Lords divided their lands into estates called fiefs
Fiefs (land) given to vassals in return for loyalty and military support
All nobles were vassals to the King

8. What is a Knight? Almost all nobles were knights
Training began at age 7, as a page, under the guidance of the lady of the manor
Became squires at age 15 and were trained by other knights
Those deemed worthy were “dubbed” knights
Almost all nobles were knights
Society made up of three groups – nobles, clergy and peasants
and townspeople
Knight’s training:
Began at age 7 as a page
Under guidance of the lady of the manor
- Taught courtly manners, sometimes reading, music, dancing – all
the necessities of a noble
- Ran errands and served her in return
Also began serving the knights performing simple tasks
Became a squire at age 15 and placed under guidance of a knight
- Taught the skills of knighthood, especially horsemanship and combat skills.
- Followed knight into battle and helped him if he was wounded or fell off his horse
If proven to be a good fighter he was rewarded by being made a knight
- Special ceremony known as dubbing
Knights were expected to follow certain rules known as the code of chivalry
Knights trained for war by fighting each other in tournaments
Most popular form of entertainment during the Middle Ages
Popular event was joust

9. Feudalism Knights Mounted warriors who protected lord’s lands
Given land for their services
Chivalry
Code of ethics followed by knights
Honesty, fairness in battle, loyal, proper treatment of women

11. Feudal Obligations Knights Obligation to Lord
Lord’s Obligation to Knights
Provide military service
Remain loyal and faithful
Give money on special occasions
Give Land
Protect from attack
Resolve disputes between knights

12. Peasants and Serfs Serfs
Peasants who lived and worked on the lord’s manor
Were not allowed to leave the manor or marry without the lord’s permission
Were allowed to farm on the manor in return for work
Lords were required to protect the serfs

13. Life of Serfs The life of a serf was harsh Worked long hours
few lived past 35 years old
Based on heredity
You were a serf if you parents were

14. Life of Serf The Harshness of Manor Life
Peasants pay taxes to use mill and bakery; pay a tithe to priest
Tithe—a church tax—is equal to one-tenth of a peasant’s income
Serfs live in crowded cottages with dirt floors, straw for beds
Worked long hours
raising crops, livestock; feeding and clothing family
Poor diet, illness, malnutrition make life expectancy 35 years
Serfs generally accept their lives as part of God’s plan

15. Manorial System Freemen
skilled workers who paid rent to nobles and could leave the manor
Ex. Blacksmith and millers

16. Constructing the Pyramid Feudal Power
SERFS AND FREEMEN

17. Constructing the Pyramid of Feudal Power
LESSER NOBLES
(KNIGHTS)
LABOR
PROTECTION
SERFS AND FREEMEN

18. Constructing the Pyramid of Feudal Power
POWERFUL
NOBLES
LAND AND
PROTECTION
LOYALTY AND
MILITARY SERVICE
LESSER NOBLES
(KNIGHTS)
LABOR
PROTECTION
SERFS AND FREEMEN

19. Constructing the Pyramid of Feudal Power
KING
LOYALTY AND
SERVICE
LAND
POWERFUL
NOBLES
LAND AND
PROTECTION
LOYALTY AND
MILITARY SERVICE
LESSER NOBLES
(KNIGHTS)
LABOR
PROTECTION
SERFS AND FREEMEN

20. Carcassonne: A Medieval Castle

21. Parts of a Medieval Castle

22. Manorial System
An economic system in the Middle Ages that was built around large estates called manors
Included a village and the land surrounding it

23. Manorial System Manors were self sufficient
Most things needed for daily life were produced on the manor