Feudalism in Europe and Chivalry

SAHS

Invaders Attack Western Europe

• Muslims

– Sicily, Italy, Hungary, Austria

• Vikings

– England, Ireland, France, Germany, Russia

The Vikings

• Non-Christian tribes from Scandinavia

• Viking ships could sail in just 3’ of water

• Monasteries were their favorite targets

• Not just warriors –Farmers, traders, explorers

Viking Explorations

• By 1000s the Vikings had settled in Iceland, Greenland, and Canada

• Vikings sailed as far south as Africa to trade

• Took a large role in creating Eastern Europe

– Russia, Ukraine

– Remember Kiev?

Magyars (Hungarians)

• Magyars are one of the last true “barbaric” tribes of Europe

• Attack from the East

• Mostly focus on attacking “Germany”

The Muslims Attack

• Attacked from the South

• Spain is controlled by the Moors

• Most of Italy is occupied by Muslim armies

Peasants Need Protection

• The poor could not defend themselves

• The kings needed to protect themselves from possible enemies

The Feudal System

• Kings granted land and power to the wealthy locals

– Usually related to the king in some way

– These men became known as lords

• The Lords allowed the peasants to live and work on their land in exchange for goods and services

Social Classes

• Social Classes are very well defined

–Those who fought (Nobles & Knights)

–Those who prayed (The Church)

–Those who worked (The Peasants)

• Most peasants were “serfs”

–Serfs could not legally leave their village

The Economic Side of Feudalism

• There was a two-way “contract” between the lords and the serfs

• The Lords protected the serfs and made sure they had the basic necessities

• The serfs paid taxes to their lords and promised to fight in their armies –Labor was often demanded for projects

Self-Contained Communities

• Peasants rarely traveled more than 25 miles from home

• Manors = “A lord’s estate”

• Manors were self-contained –They had everything that they needed

Harshness of Manor Life

• The manor lord had control over the lives of the peasants

• Peasants had to get permission to do almost anything –Getting married

• The church also took 10% of the peasants earnings

Accepting One’s Place

• Church preached that you were born into the lifestyle God wanted for you.

• Peasant therefore did not complain

Chivalry

• Like Bushido, it governed how knights lived their lives

• Fight honorably in behalf of –Feudal lord

–God

–Chosen lady

Warfare During the Dark Ages

• Fighting was hand-to-hand

• Knights were expected to spend 40 days a year in combat

• Competitions were set up to perfect skills needed for battle

Women’s Role in Feudal Europe

• Noblewomen – Could have power if her husband/father gave it to

her

– Expected to take care of the household

• Peasant Women – Worked along the men in the fields

– Expected also to take care of their husband’s needs

THE POWER OF THE CHURCH

Far-Reaching Authority

• Church begins separating spiritual from political

• Pope Gelasius –God has created two sides to life

–Church would respect “Emperor” in politics

–Emperor would respect Church in spiritual matters

Organization of the Church

• Power was based on status

• Local priest served as the main contact for most people

• Clergy = Leaders of the Church

The Church Unifies Europe

• Poor and rich both relied on the church

• Only social life outside of the family

• Provided hope for all

• Priest served everyone

Law of the Church

• Religion dictated laws people had to follow

• Church courts were held to enforce church law

• Threat of excommunication (Loss of Salvation)

• Kings could face “interdict” – No church allowed for anyone in the kingdom

The Holy Roman Empire

• Created in 936 CE

• Otto I followed the lead of Charlemagne – Supports the Church

– Conquers Italy to protect Pope

– Is made emperor of Central Europe

• Holy Roman Empire leaders need the Church to survive

Emperor and Pope Clash

• Emperors wanted more power – Challenged the Popes political power

• Started the practice of Lay Investiture – Emperor appointed clergy, not the Church

• Emperor tried to get the bishops he appointed to support him. – Emperor is excommunicated by the Pope

Emperor Henry IV Begs for Forgiveness

• Henry IV goes to Italy and begs the Pope to forgive him

• Couldn’t be the Emperor if he was excommunicated

• Pope forgives him

Lay Investiture Continues

• Holy Roman Emperors continue to appoint clergy

• A compromise is made in 1122 CE

– Pope appoints bishops

– Emperor can veto any appointment