The document discusses life and society in feudal Europe between the 10th and 13th centuries. It describes the political, economic, and social system of feudalism, including the relationship between vassals and lords and between lords and peasants. Agriculture was the main economic activity, with peasants farming the lands of feudal lords in exchange for protection. Society was organized into estates including nobility, clergy, peasants, and craftsmen. Religion played a large role in culture and architecture during this period.

1. © Oxford University Press España S.A., 2013
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2. What do we know?

3. The feudal system
When and why did feudalism originate?
Which aspect of the feudal system is shown in this image?

4. Feudal Europe
Which of these kingdoms were Christian?
Which modern-day countries were part of the Holy Roman Empire?

5. The fief
What was a fief? What was its economy like?
What different types of economic activities can you see in the image?

6. Peasants
What shape is the Earth?
Which parts of the Earth are flat?

7. Agriculture
How did feudal lords live?
In what ways were peasants’ lives different to lords’ lives?

8. Monasteries
What things did monks do every day?
What did they do in the different parts of the monastery shown in this image?
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9. Culture
What cultural activity is shown in this image?
Why did many cultural centres disappear during the early Middle Ages?

10. Architecture
Can you name these different types of vaults?
What were the other main features of architecture in this period?

11. Architecture
What type of building is shown in this image?
Which architectural features can you see in the image?

12. What have we learned?
The feudal
system
The feudal
system
Political, economic and social system in Western Europe between the 10th
and 13th centuries
Ties between the vassals and lords and between lords and peasants
Agriculture was the main economic activity. Production was scarce
Daily life in
the fief
Economy The rearing of pigs, cows, sheep and horses
Trade became less important
Estates of the
Estates of the
realm
realm
Privileged estate: nobility (high and low), clergy (high and low)
Daily life in
the fief
The fief consisted of large areas of arable land which was divided between
the lord and the peasants
Society
It was organised into estates of the realm
Non-privileged estate: peasants (free and serfs), craftsmen,
traders, etc.

13. What have we learned?
Religion
The first monasteries were founded (Benedictines, Cistercians, etc.)
The crusades took place and pilgrimages were encouraged. Military orders
were created
Culture They created monastic and cathedral schools; the first universities were founded
Romanesque
architecture
and art
Romanesque
architecture
and art
Architecture: semicircular arches and barrel vaults
Sculpture and painting: the purpose was didactic; figures
were rigid and inexpressive
Architecture
and art