Chapter 13 Section 2

Feudalism and the Manorial System

Feudalism

900s: most of Europe was governed by local lords

This political and social organization led by these independent leaders became known

as feudalism

FEUDALISM

KING

LORD

KNIGHTS

PEASANTS

Feudalism

A noble grants land to a lesser noble– In return gets loyalty, military assistance,

and other servicesFief: grant of land given by a lordVassal- person who receives the grantThe vassal could divide his land and

give it to knights – then the vassal becomes a lord

FeudalismPrimogeniture- a system of

inheritance from father to oldest sonWomen may receive land in a dowry

– Remains the property of her husbandLords: vassals to the kingMedieval church also practiced

feudalism – granted fiefs in return for military

protection and service

Manorial System

Economic system; large farming estates that included manor houses, cultivated lands, woodlands, pastures, fields, and villages

Self sufficient societies: food, clothing, and shelter

Peasants: – worked the land -shared crops – provided services -paid taxes

Manorial SystemLocated along a

stream or river for water power

Houses surround the castle for safety

The village, vegetable plots, cultivated fields, pastures, and forests make up the outer area

Peasant Life Serfs- peasants;

could not leave the land w/o the lord’s permission

Work: long hrs. in fields

Meals- black bread, lentils, some vegetables

Short life expectancies

Castles

Fortified base for the lord to protect the surrounding country side

Structures made of earth and wood, stone Usually built on hills

– If on flat land a moat was built The “keep”: a strong tower with workshops, barracks, and the lord’s living quarters

Warfare

Knights wore armor in battle and were heavily armed

Chain mail- small interlocking metal links

Iron helmets, a sword, large shield, and a lance

Feudal Justice Trial by battle- a duel between accuser

and accused; determined guilt or innocence

Compurgation- supporters swear that their person was telling the truth

Trial by ordeal- accused had to either:– carry a piece of hot iron

– plunge his hand in a pot of boiling water

– survive extended immersion in cold water

Brazen Bull

The Coffin

The Rack

Judas Cradle

The Pear of Anguish

The Brank

The Chair

The Head Crusher

The Saw

Chivalry

A system of rules that dictated knights’ behavior towards others

Young boys work as pages/squires under a knight– Learn knightly manners and care for

weapons– Takes care of the knight’s horse, armor,

and weapons If the squire proves himself in battle=

knight

Code of Chivalry Be courageous in battle Loyal to friends and keep his word Courteous to women and the less powerful Required to extend courtesy only to his

own class

Coat of Arms (Heraldry)

A graphic symbol that identified a knight -Represented his personal characteristics in battle

Painted or stitched onto the knight’s shield, his outer coat, or his horse’s trappings

Passed on through the generations

Royal Spanish Coat of Arms

Prince Charles of Wales

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