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Lecture 2.1 Feudalism and the Dark Ages
Write one thing you know about each of the 5 religions we have talked about.
What were the major accomplishments of Alexander the Great?
What happens to most HUGE empires throughout human history?
What makes a civilization an empire? Is the United States an Empire?
KNIGHT’S CHARGE
WEIRD DISNEY FACT OF THE DAY!
Goofy is a dog that can talk…
His best friend is a mouse who can talk…
That mouse has a pet dog…who CANNOT talk…
Thoughts?
The Western ancient societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece have either fallen apart or been conquered.
The Eastern Ancient societies in China and India are still alive and thriving!
Why do you think this is?
WHERE ARE WE IN TIME?
The mighty Roman Empire has fallen to barbarians and Germanic tribes.
After experiencing much political unrest and turmoil.
…We are now entering the…
WHERE ARE WE IN TIME?
THE DARK AGES
The Dark Ages started around 500 A.D. after the fall of Rome. Lasted until about 1300 A.D.
It was called the Dark Ages, because it was a time of:
1. Limited Learning 2. Poor Leadership 3. Bad Economies
Also known as the Early Middle Ages.
THE DARK AGES
Life and progress literally began to move backwards.
People rejected technology and science and adopted more primitive lifestyles.
THE DARK AGES
Most people could not read and write Literacy rates plummeted Much of this 500 year period is lost in time
because most records and events were never written down.
THE DARK AGES
Ordinary People:1. Were not educated2. Were not artistsMost were simply common laborers If you were not a noble family WITH
money, you practically lived the life of a slave.
THE DARK AGES
Christianity grew to become VERY IMPORTANT to the people of the Middle Ages.
People simply survived and relied on the church.
At the time, Christians were predominantly Catholic.
DARK AGES – THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
In Europe, a system called Feudalism is developed.
It was developed by rich LORDS.
It was created to keep control of the people and in some aspects, to protect them.
FEUDALISM
Feudalism – A medieval social system of rank and class.
Feudalism consists of 4 main classes: 1. Peasants/Serfs – Worked for the Lords,
provided food and labor for ALL of the manor. 2. Vassals/Knights – (organized workers,
provided protection) – Gave military service. 3. Lords – (landowners) RICH 4. King –Ruled over all of them. At times, some Lords would become so powerful
and wealthy that they would challenge the king.
FEUDALISM
FEUDAL CHART
Serfs – Laborers bound to the land by a contract.
Serfs are NOT slaves.However, they can only leave with a
vassal’s permission and must follow orders or be severely punished.
Many died.
Monty Python on Feudalism
SERFS
