Do Now In your own words define loyalty

Do Now • In your own words, define loyalty • Can you think of a situation in which someone’s loyalty to you was very important or when you had to be loyal to someone?

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

Periodization Early Middle Ages: 500 – 1000 High Middle Ages: 1000 – 1250 Late Middle Ages: 1250 - 1500

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

Europe in the 6 c

The Middle Ages or Medieval Period ( 500 CE -1500 CE. ) Barbarian Invasions cause the Fall of the Western Roman Empire Rise of New Kingdoms/ States that are not united New Kingdoms are unable to protect themselve s from Barbarian Invasions, causing a need for localized Protection The Rise of Feudalism in Europe

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

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

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 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

Feudal Obligations Knights Obligation to 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

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

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

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

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

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 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 PROTECTION LOYALTY AND MILITARY SERVICE LESSER NOBLES (KNIGHTS) LABOR PROTECTION SERFS AND FREEMEN 20

Carcassonne: A Medieval Castle

Parts of a Medieval Castle

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

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