Middle Ages - Outline 2 Flashcards
When was the rise of fueldalism?
Approximately 900-1000 A.D.
What is feudalism?
Highly decentralized government that includes alliances between nobles and lords that provide mutual protection and benefits ; essentially was like a pyramid (KINGS / VASSALS / KNIGHTS);
The beginnings of feudalism started with Charles Martel “Charles the Hammer” , what does this entail?
There was a need for an army to fight the muslims - Charles wanted to develop a new type of military; He began to grant a tract of land (FIEF) so warriors could buy weapons and horses - This grant also included peasants who would work the land
Warfare increases as a result of a lack in a centralized government, so the church gets in evolved and sets up what decrees?
Peace of God and Truce of God
What does the Peace of God decree state?
Prohibited fighting at churches/cemeteries/cathedrals
What does the Truce of God decree state?
Prohibited battles on holidays which eventually led to the ban of battles on all but 20 days a year
Although the church was enforcing decrees, private wars occurred why?
The catholic church had no legal standing
Where will feudalism occur?
Take hold in France but will eventually spread to England and western Europe
What is the mutual relation between vassal and lord in feudalism?
The lord granted the vassal a fief (investiture) and the vassal swore his oath to the lord (homage) and would help him by supplying knights and horseback in times of war
What were the vassals responsibilities?
Military service; providing food to Lord; Contributing gifts to their son/daughter; Paying ransom to release lord in time of need
What were the lords responsibilities?
Granted fief; Defend castle; Set aside land for animals to graze on; provide labor (serfs/peasants)
What does the feudal system eventually turn into?
Feudalism eventually becomes a military system - everything was focused around war
The major defense system for Lords was the Castles, what major features did they have?
Built of stone; Had a turret (circular tower); Elevated; Surrounded by a moat; Had a drawbridge; Contains a well for water supply; Has a chapel; Contains Keep (square tower)
