Transcript Middle Ages - Class Notes for Mr.Guerriero

What were the Middle Ages?
 The
Middle Ages were characterized by
small towns becoming independent
after the fall of the Roman Empire.
 At the beginning of the 11th century,
towns grew in size, grew much more
food, and began to govern themselves.
Life in the Middle Ages
 Towns
were overcrowded, dangerous
and unsanitary and usually
surrounded by a thick wall.
 Towns were governed by “elected”
mayors and councils, but were still
under the control of the
King/monarch.
 Fires and epidemics were common.
 Guilds
were made up of very rich and
powerful merchants.
 Very often these merchants were “elected”
mayor.
Guild’s
Coats of
arms
The Church during the Middle Ages
The Catholic Church was the center of
the town.
 People during the Middle Ages would do
anything to honor God.

The Catholic Church controlled every
aspect of people’s lives.
 The high clergy held as much power as the
“mayor and elected council.”
 Most of the art produced served as a
reminder of the consequences if one did
not obey the church (death, hell, etc.).
 Towns built huge cathedrals to honor
God and to show their prosperity.

Trade in the Middle Ages
 Every
town in the Middle Ages had a
market.
 This gave craftsmen and farmers a chance
to sell their products.
 Market were a social gathering space.
 Trade fairs became more common. This
would allow merchants from other towns
to set up their shops to sell their products.
 Trade fairs would last from a few days to
six weeks
 An
increase in trade saw a rise in the
use of coins and bills of exchange.
Social Classes in the Middle Ages
 There
were very distinct social classes
in the Middle Ages.
 The King/Monarch was the most
powerful.
 Beneath the King were the Nobles
(Knights) and the High Clergy.
 Wealthy merchants were next.
 The lowest class were the commoners
(serfs, local priests, etc.)
Monarch
Nobles (Knights) and
High Clergy
Less
than
10%
Wealthy Merchants
Over
90%
Commoners
Castles and Castle Life
 Castles
are the main features of the
Middle Ages.
 These structures were originally used for
defence against invaders.
 Over time very expensive homes for
the very powerful developed within its
walls.
 There are many castles from the middle
Ages that are still standing today.
 Commoners
would live outside the castle
walls, but would remain inside the town
walls.
 Castles were heavily fortified (strong).
 During an attack cannons, archers,
knights, and siege engine would line
castle walls.
Who lived in a castle?
1. Monarchs
2. Member of the Royal family
3. Nobility and Knights
4. High Clergy (Bishops, Cardinals,
Pope)
Feudalism in the Middle Ages
 Feudalism
is a system which dictates
social class and the distribution of land.
 In a feudal society land is given by the
king to a lord or a knight.
 The lord (knight) gives this land to the
commoners in exchange for a percentage
of their crops.
 Very difficult for people to move into a
higher social class.