Feudalism developed in Europe following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Under this system, land was owned by kings or lords but held by vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service. Society was strictly hierarchical, with peasants at the bottom. The manor system formed the economic basis, with self-sufficient manors worked by serfs who were bound to the land and considered the property of the lord. Peasants lived difficult lives, working long hours in poor conditions to sustain their manor.

1. Chapter 5 : Europe in the Middle Ages Section 1 : Feudalism and the Manor System

2. Vocabulary Middle Ages : The years between ancient and modern times Medieval : Referring to the Middle Ages Feudalism : A system in which land was owned by kings or lords but held by vassals in return for their loyalty Knight : A man who received honor and land in exchange for serving a lord as a soldier Peasant : A poor person who made their living as a farmer or laborer

3. Vocabulary Continued Fief : A share of land Manor : A large estate, often including farms and a village, ruled by a lord Serf : A farm worker considered part of the manor on which he or she worked

4. The Middle Ages Lasted from about 500 AD to 1500 AD Middle Ages start with the fall of Rome (Map Page 119) Middle Ages = Medieval Times

6. The Middle Ages In western Europe, Rome is replaced with a patchwork of small “barbarian” kingdoms This time is also called the Dark Ages Most barbarians cannot read or write They do not have the technology or education of the Romans Continued

7. The Barbarian Kingdoms

8. Charlemagne After several years, one barbarian kingdom becomes stronger than the rest They are from Gaul and they are called the Franks – From modern day France Their leader is Charlemagne

9. Charlemagne’s Empire

10. Charlemagne Continued Charlemagne ruled for 50 years Started schools for education and culture Spread Christianity In return for his support of the church, the Pope crowns him the “ Holy Roman Emperor ”

11. Charlemagne Continued When Charlemagne dies, his empire is divided between his three grandsons They weaken the empire by fighting each other for power Outside invasions finally end Charlemagne’s empire

12. Charlemagne’s Empire

13. The Vikings The Vikings were a barbarian group from Scandinavia – Present day Denmark, Sweden, and Norway Vikings were skilled sailors and tough warriors

14. The Vikings Continued They used their longships to raid the coasts of other kingdoms in Europe

15. Viking Raids

16. The Vikings The Viking attacks started around 800 AD and continued for about 300 years They burned towns and looted villages This helped keep Europe in the “Dark Ages” Continued

17. European Feudalism Feudalism was a kind of government Land was the key to this system The order of society as ranked from top to bottom: King Nobles Knights Peasants

18. European Feudalism King Nobles Knights Peasants

19. European Feudalism Continued Anyone above you in the system was your lord Anyone below you in the system was your vassal

20. European Feudalism King Nobles Knights Peasants

21. European Feudalism Lords gave their vassals a fief and/or protection In return, vassals gave their lords some sort of service Continued

22. European Feudalism King Nobles Knights Peasants

23. The Division of Land King King King Noble Noble Noble Noble Noble Knight Knight Knight Knight Knight

25. The Manor System The manor system was the basis of the medieval economy Manors were self sufficient – They supplied their own food, clothing, tools, etc.

26. The Manor System The lord owned the manor and lived in a fancy manor house The lord made all the rules and acted as judge for anyone living on the manor Continued

27. The Manor System The peasants living on the manor were called serfs Serfs could not leave the manor – They were part of the manor and were considered the lord’s property Continued

29. A Peasant’s or Serf’s Life Men, women, and children were all required to work very hard Houses were one room huts Ate simple foods like bread, cabbage, turnips Mattresses were cloth sacks stuffed with straw