Charlemagne, Feudalism, &

Knights

What was everyday life like in Medieval Europe?

SSWH 7 aExplain the manorial system and feudalism; include the status of peasants and feudal monarchies and the importance of Charlemagne.

CHARLEMAGNE United western Europe under one king Built an empire greater

than any since Rome Spread Christianity through

conquests Crowned emperor by Pope

Leo III, joining the church

& govt. p.215-216

ContinuedLimited the authority of the nobles, used royal agents

Empire divides upon his retirement (3 grandsons fight over it) – Treaty of Verdun splits up the empire

Feudalism: Emerged 850 – 950 AD A system of governing & landholding Feudalism depended on the control of

land Lords (landowners) granted land (a fief)

in exchange for protection by knight (a vassal)

Feudalism shaped as a pyramid: king at the top, mostly wealthy/powerful vassals (nobles or bishops), then knights, & at the bottom peasants/serfs p.219 -224

Continued Feudalism estab 3 social classes

Those who fought (nobles & knights), those who prayed (men & women of the church), & those who worked (peasants)

Knights trained for 14 yrs. – served 3 things: landlord, Lord, and lady

Manorial System – Lord’s Estate (economic arrangement) Based on obligations & rights

between a lord & peasant/serf Lords provided housing, farmland, & protection

Serf worked the lord’s land, cared for animals, & maintained the manor (they were not allowed to leave the manor)

ContinuedSelf-sufficient community: house, church, workshop, & mill

Most lived to 35 & most didn’t travel more than 25 miles

Peasants/serfs accepted lives because of the church teachings

The Count 3: Name the 3 feudal classes 2: Name 2 characteristics of the

manorial system 1: What is one major

accomplishment of Charlemagne?

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