Feudalism
and the
Middle Ages
European Middle Ages
Middle Ages – era of European history
from 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. New
institutions slowly emerged to replace the
Roman Empire.

Meanwhile, civilizations flourished in China
and Southwest Asia while Europe was
fragmented.
Middle Ages – DARK AGES –
Why???
1. Disruption of Trade
-
Loss of a common language
2. Downfall of Cities
-
-
Cities were abandoned as centers of
administration
Decline of learning
3. Population Shifts
-
Nobles retreated to rural areas
Cities had no leadership
Carolingian Rulers (Dynasty)
751-987 A.D.
Pepin the Short – Left a
greatly strengthened kingdom
– Leaves it to son Charles
Charlemagne
6’4”, heavy set, blue eyes with a flowing
mustache (see Coach Melbourn) –
Most successful empire since the collapse
of Rome
Government – limited the authority of
Nobles and sent Counts to govern
counties.
Cultural Revival – He opened a palace
school and encouraged the monks to
maintain what history was left from Rome.
Feudalism
Carolingian
Empire
INVASIONS!!!!
Vikings from Scandinavia
Men like Erik Bloodaxe and
Thorfinn Skullsplitter would take
their huge oar ships and raid cities
and villages plundering and looting.
 There was no organized defense
against these savage warriors and
their hit and run raids.

Way of the
Viking
Viking Raids
Vikings are also called Norsemen. They
sailed to modern Britain and France
eventually establishing colonies as far as
Russia and the islands in the North
Atlantic.
Home – small villages in homes made of
logs or boards
To go a-Viking... Same as go on an
adventure overseas.
Vikings continued
Eric the Red reached Greenland in
986. His son Leif Ericson reached
the northeast coast of North
America say the sagas.
Leif Ericson
They wore metal helmets
decorated with pictures of animals,
and shirts made from iron rings
covered by a large piece of cloth
that protected them when they
raided.
Feudalism
The largest raids were coming
between 850 and 950 A.D.
Feudalism – The effect of
barbarian attacks and resulted as
a form of defense for both the
nobility and peasants.
European
Feudal
Society
King
Lord/ Vassels/
Church
Officials
Knight
Peasant/Serf
Social Classes
Those who fought – Nobles and
Knights
Those who prayed – Men and women
of the Church
Those who worked – Peasants and
Serfs
Nobles and Knights
Feudalism is based on mutual
obligations.
A lord grants land called a Fief to a
Vassal who is a Noble.
Knights serve the Vassal in exchange
for land. In return, they offer their
sword.
Peasants do not fight!!!!
Knight video
Chivalry
A code of complex ideals for a knight.
The ideal knight was loyal, brave, and
courteous, however, this did not always
apply to the lower classes.
It evolved into today’s good manners and
values
He has 3 masters:
 His Feudal lord
 His Heavenly Lord
 His chosen lady
Tournaments
Knights would hone their skills at
mock battles called tournaments.
Troubadours – poet musicians who
entertained at castles and courts of
Europe. They would be seen at
tournaments.
Development of a Knight
Page
 Age 7 - Sent to a castle of another lord.
This is where he receives his
education.
Squire
 Age 14 – Servant to the knight, takes
care of the horse, armor, and weapons.
Knight
 Age 21 – His lord will dub him a knight.
Manors
Medieval
Castles
Castle video