Medieval Medieval TimesTimes

Time Period between Time Period between

500-1500AD500-1500AD

I. Feudalism- 500 –I. Feudalism- 500 –15001500

Contractual system of government with obligations and protections between lords and vassals during the middle ages.

a. a. What happened?What happened?• The Barbarians raided the Roman Empire and attacked the weak and defenseless

• The weak needed protection from the strong

• Kings did not command a strong central government like that of Roman Emperors

(Because of these chaotic conditions

Feudalism was born)

b. b. How does it work?How does it work?• King granted land to

a person• King known as a lord• Person that receives

the land known as a Vassal

• Land that is given is known as a Fief

• Lord gave the Vassal >Land & Protection

• Vassal gave the Lord… 1. Loyalty and military service

2. Attends lord’s court and gives advice

3. Payments of Knighting of Lord’s son, daughter’s dowry

4. Ransom if Lord is kidnapped

5. Lodging when Lord travels

6. Relief- one time payment for the land

Any other Buzz words?Any other Buzz words?

• Homage> ceremony of getting land• Knights > trained warriors who fought on horseback with swords and lances during the middle agesVassals got knights by promising parts of his own fief

• Peasants > 2 types- needed protection and the Vassals say you must work for the protectionFreemen- owned or rented the landSerfs- not free to leave, but could not

be sold

c. c. Life on the ManorLife on the Manor

• Manors were large farms or estates on the fief. They were fortified farms and the economy was based on Agriculture.

• Peasants works 3 days a week for the protection. The other 3 days a peasant would work for himself & the seventh day Church.

d. d. CastlesCastles• Built of stone (at first built of wood)

• Built on hill if not, needed a moat

• Moat: deep water filled ditch • Designed for protection not comfort

• Drafty, dirty, damp, dim, cold• Small windows, little sunlight• Heavy metal gate that protected the heavy wooden door

• Dungeons

Life inside of the Life inside of the Castle!Castle!

e. e. The end of FeudalismThe end of Feudalism

• 1348 Black Death---Not enough people after the plague, serfs now can find employment

• Rise of Towns----Serfs now have a place to go

• Barbarian attacks ended• Agricultural advancements made more

food (better plow)• Improved horse collar & invention of

horseshoe led to more efficient use of animals in farming

II. II. KnighthoodKnighthood

a. How do you become one? Usually the first born son of noble

birth was trained for knighthood Around 10: Page -helped the ladies of

the castle & trained for war Teen years: Squire –polished armor,

cared for horses, carried swords (weapons) and shields for the tournaments into battle.

Knight: perform a heroic deed in battle

Fought in the armies of the king and protected the peasants who lived and worked on the land>>In exchange, the peasants gave the knight their service and produce.

b. b. Code of ChivalryCode of Chivalry It was the code of honor knights followed. It set the standard for bravery and manners for Medieval Knights.1.Women would not fall in love with a man

unless he proved himself three times on the battlefield.

2.Knight is not allowed to use his strength against someone that is weaker then himself.

3.Do not attack an enemy unless he has a weapon and is facing you. (No sneaking up)

4.Knight only fought for lord or lady—not to show your strength

5.Lead a morale life and well-dressed life, polite

6.Highest ideals of romance (writing, poetry, singing, love songs, and playing musical instruments)

C. C. ArmorArmor

• Armor completely covered the knight’s face and body. They all looked a like. Each knight chose “Arms”- unique colored pattern or picture, which everyone recognized, called a “coat of arms.”

• Chose pattern that remained on the family and was passed on.

• Even the thickest armor (up to 70lbs) could not stop a bullet.

• Helmet was the first piece of armor made.

• Mail> mesh of inter linked metal rings.