Transcript Feudalism & The Medieval Church

Feudalism & The
Medieval Church
Feudalism in Europe
Feudalism in Europe
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Feudalism- System of rule in which
powerful local lords divided their
landholdings among lesser lords (Vassals)
A fief, or estate, was granted to a vassal
through a feudal contract in exchange for
military service.
The World of Nobles
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Knight- Mounted warrior; What is this
similar to in Japanese feudalism?
Participated in tournaments- mock
battles to increase fighting skill.
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Noblewomen & Chivalry
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Noblewomen had active role in society
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Eleanor of Aquitaine- Became Queen of France & later
Queen of England; leading force in politics for over 50
years.
Chivalry- Code of conduct for knights: Bravery&
loyalty. Placed women on a pedestal.
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Troubadours- Wandering poets who praised the perfection
and beauty of women
How is this similar or different from bushido?
The Medieval Church
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Monks & Nuns
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Devoted their lives to spiritual goals.
Benedictine Rule: Took vows of poverty, chastity &
obedience
Looked after the poor & the sick
The Power of the Church Grows
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Controlled spiritual & secular (worldly) life of medieval
Europeans
Papal Supremacy- Pope’s authority over all secular
rulers
Religious Authority
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Canon Law- Church body of laws, anyone
who disobeyed faced penalties
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Most severe was excommunication- deprived or
limited participation in church; could not receive
sacraments or Christian burial
Success of the church brought problems…
Reform Movements
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Monks & nuns began to ignore their vows, clergy
lived in luxury, priests began to marry- so people
began to call for reform
Francis of Assisi- Set up orders of friars- monks
who traveled around Europe preaching to the
poor
Jews in Europe
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Christian persecution of Jews increased- forced to migrate
Anti-Semitism- prejudice against Jews; Jews were
blamed for any illness, famine, disaster, economic woes