The Rise of Feudalism in Europe during the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages or Medieval Period ( 500 CE -1500 CE.)

Barbarian Invasions cause the Fall of the Western Roman Empire Rise of New Kingdoms/ States that are not united New Kingdoms are unable to protect themselves from Barbarian Invasions, causing a need for localized Protection

The Rise of Feudalism in Europe

Feudal Europe Power Pyramid

The Pope

King Lords/Nobles
Knights Peasants

The Pope
Leader of Church The Pope was seen as representative of God on Earth.

King
Leader of Kingdoms/ States All lords/nobles and knights swore an oath of loyalty to the king to protect the land.

Nobles/Lords
Swore loyalty to the king and were given lands called fiefs to protect

Knights
Armored warriors that protected the land. They often received fiefs for their service.

Peasants
Worked on the lords' land
There were two groups of peasant workers on the manor. Freemen- skilled workers who paid rent and could leave the manor whenever they wished. (They usually had a skill needed by others on the manor.) Serfs workers bound to the land by contract with the nobles. (They had no freedom - they where the nobles property.)

Protection from who?

1. The Vikings invaded from Scandinavia- They
were quick and savage. They attacked Ireland, England and France. They looted and captured people to sell into slavery. Most Europeans lived in terror of them.

2. The Magyars from Asia 3. The Muslims (from South)

Vikings, Muslims and Magyars Invasion Map

Charlemagne
Charlemagne was first crowned the king of the Franks Later, in 800 CE he was crowned by the POPE Leo III as the king of the Holy Roman Empire.
This enraged the Eastern Byzantines because their ruler was not selected The Church and Charlemagne depended on each other. The Pope needed the support of his army to protect the church, Charlemagne gained support from his people because he was viewed as having god on his side

Charlemagne Continued
Through wars of conquest he united European tribes into one single empire. He showed them that they have similar values like Christianity, allowing them to see themselves as Europeans not as tribe members.

By Rafael: the Coronation of Charlegmagne

William The Conqueror

He defeated the English king at the Battle of Hastings To reward the knights that helped him win the battle, he gave them land.Hence, the beginning of the feudal system in England

William The Conquerer

Battle of Hastings

The Pope and King: A Power Struggle

Since the large majority of the people of Feudal Europe were Christian the Pope had tremendous power over every body.

They thought they should select Bishops. Kings believed they should have the power to select the bishops.

Pope Gregory VII vs. King Henry IV

In 1073 King Henry IV selected a bishop Pope Gregory VII did not like. The Pope excommunicated (cast him out of the church) Henry IV.
Remember :Christians believe that if you die while excommunicated you will not go to heaven.

Desperate, the king apologized and asked for forgiveness.

In fact, the king stood barefoot in the snow for three days before the Pope would even talk to him.

REVIEW
Let's see how much you remember!

1. Everyone owed loyalty to the ________. 2. _______ were really the most powerful. They got _______ from the king.

3. Lesser nobles (knights) gave _________ _________ in return for land.

4. _______ were bound to the land. They worked in return for ____________. 5. __________ were skilled workers. They paid rent to the ______ and were free to move if they wanted to.

Check Your Answers

1. Everyone owed loyalty to the king. 2. Nobles were really the most powerful. They got land from the king. 3. Lesser nobles (knights) gave military service in return for land. 4. Serfs were bound to the land. They worked in return for protection. 5. Freemen were skilled workers. They paid rent to the nobles and were free to move if they wanted to.

THE END