Chapter 8 Section 2

Mr. SchoffGlobal History I

OA

• What was feudal life like for nobles and peasants?

• Describe what the manor economy was like

Write down what you think this object is…

• Please read Setting the Scene on page 186

Feudalism• Organized system of rule in which powerful lords

divide their land among lesser lords (vassals)• Feudal contract – exchange of pledges• Lord grants vassal a fief• Fief includes peasants and knights to

work/protect the land• Lord promises to protect vassal as long as the

vassal provides the lord with 40 days of military service, certain money payments, and advice

Nobles• Nobles used to warfare• Rival lords very competitive

for power• Some nobles would train

since they were around the age of 7 years old to become a knight– He was trained to ride and fight– Keep his armor and weapons

in good shape

• Training/discipline strict– Any laziness was punished

with a severe beating or hard hit to the head or body

Knight In Shining Armor

• Once his training was complete, he would kneel before an older knight and put his head down

• Putting his hand or flat side of the sword on the young man’s shoulder, the older knight would say “I dub thee knight. Be valiant.”

• The young knight would then take his spot next to the other warriors

Knights

• Feudal warfare decreased and tournaments took place instead

• Early tournaments were just as dangerous as the real thing, but a lord would invite knights from surrounding areas to fight

• Sometimes, captured knights were imprisoned and held as ransom

Knights and Chivalry

• Knights adopted a code of chivalry– Required to be brave, loyal, true to their word– Had to fight fairly in warfare

• Agreed not fight another knight before he had a chance to put on his armor

– Had to treat a captured knight well or even release him if he promised to pay his ransom

• ONLY applied to nobles, not to commoners• Chivalry placed women on a pedestal

– Called for women to be protected and cherished– Troubadours adopted this with their love songs about how

perfect, beautiful, and humorous women can be

Under feudalism, the rolesof people were determinedby their places in society.

Castles

• Because of the violence, lords would make their homes to withstand attack– Included a keep (wooden tower), surrounded by a

fence– Keep was separated from the surrounding area by a

moat (water-filled ditch)• Eventually, these castles became enormous and

more elegant with high walls, towers, and drawbridges

Castles

Castles

Knight Video

• Middle Ages – Knights