Transcript Feudalism
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 services Fief: grant of land given by a lord Vassal- person who receives the grant The vassal could divide his land and give it to knights – then the vassal becomes a lord Feudalism Primogeniture- a system of inheritance from father to oldest son Women may receive land in a dowry – Remains the property of her husband Lords: vassals to the king Medieval 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 System Located 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 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 City of Pittsburgh