Transcript Notes
Charlemagne,
Feudalism, & Knights
UNIT 3, SSWH 7A
What was everyday
life like in
Medieval Europe?
SSWH 7 a
Explain the manorial system
and feudalism; include the
status of peasants and
feudal monarchies and the
importance of Charlemagne.
CHARLEMAGNE
United western Europe
under one king
Built an empire greater
than any since Rome
Spread Christianity through conquests
Crowned emperor by Pope
Leo III, joining the church
& govt. p.215-216
Continued
Limited the authority of the
nobles, used royal agents
Empire divides upon his
retirement
(3 grandsons fight over it) –
Treaty of Verdun splits up
Feudalism: Emerged
A political system based on land
ownership
Feudalism depended on the control of
land
Lords (landowners) granted land (a
fief) to a person (a vassal) in exchange
for protection by knight (a mounted
warrior)
Continued
Feudalism estab 3 social classes
Those who fought
those who prayed
those who worked
Knights trained for 14 yrs. – served
3 things: landlord, Lord, and lady
Manorial System – Lord’s
Estate (economic arrangement)
Based on obligations & rights
between a lord & peasant/serf
Lords provided housing, farmland,
& protection
Serf worked the lord’s land, cared
for animals, & maintained the
manor (they were not allowed to
leave the manor)
Continued
Self-sufficient community:
house, church, workshop, & mill
Most lived to 35 & most didn’t
travel more than 25 miles
Peasants/serfs accepted lives
because of the church teachings
The Count
3: Name the 3 feudal classes
2: Name 2 characteristics of the
manorial system
1: What is one major accomplishment
of Charlemagne?
Jot Down – Prepare to Share