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Europe in the Middle Ages

The feudal system developed in Europe during the Middle Ages (A.D. 500-1500) as a response to political instability following the fall of the Roman Empire. This hierarchical structure resembled a pyramid, featuring kings, nobles, knights, and peasants. Land ownership was the key to power, with lords granting land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service. Manors became self-sufficient communities with peasants and serfs managing daily labor. Noblewomen also played vital roles in households. The feudal system was essential for maintaining order and protection in a tumultuous era.

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Europe in the Middle Ages

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  1. Europe in the Middle Ages Feudalism: A System for Living

  2. Medieval times • Also called Middle Ages • Between ancient times and modern times • From A.D. 500 to 1500

  3. Background • Ancient Roman Empire fell • Invaders destroyed towns and cut off trade routes • Charlemagne • King of Franks • Worked to keep Western Europe united • Rulers that followed Charlemagne were weak • Empire fell apart • Vikings attacked

  4. Feudalism • New government was needed that could protect small towns and entire kingdom • Power system was constructed like a pyramid • Kings and Queens • Nobles • Knights • Peasants

  5. Land • Power came from owning land • Lord – someone who owned land • Vassal – someone who promised to be loyal, follow the laws, and fight for the landowner (could also be a lord) • Fief – a share of land • Agreement between lord and vassal was sworn in a ceremony

  6. Duties • Lord’s duty – protect his vassals • Protect vassal’s family • Listen to vassal’s advice before making any laws • Vassal’s duty – serve in lord’s army • Attend lord’s court • Make payments to lord

  7. Manor • Large estate run by feudal system • Complete community • Self-sufficient • Food, shelter, clothing including carpenter, shoemaker, metalworker, and other skilled workers

  8. Noblewomen • Often sent for training like the young boys • Managed household • Performed necessary medical tasks • Supervised servants • Could “stand in” for lord and act as “lord of the manor”

  9. Peasants and serfs • Peasant – farmers who did all the labor on a manor • Lived in one room huts • Serfs– peasants who belonged to the land (not slaves) • Ex. When noble was given a manor, its serfs became his. • Could become free • Saved enough money to buy a plot of land • Escape to a city and not get caught for a year and a day became free

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