The Transformation of Western Europe and Feudalism

Study Notes for lecture given on 11/11/24

What were the Germanic Kingdoms?

Tribes that overtook Roman territories post-collapse.

What was the Umayyad Caliphate?

Islamic empire controlling most of Spain historically.

What was Feudalism?

Land-use contracts for service within a kingdom. Became commonplace in the 8th and 9th century.

What did Feudalism do Politically?

Meant large amounts of land was owned by lords, who in turn were responsible for administering said land on behalf of their king

What did Feudalism do Socially?

Created a patron-client relationship between a lord and their serfs, who worked and lived off the lord's land in exchange for military and other services

Who were Lords?

Landowners responsible for administering land for kings.

Who were Serfs?

Peasants tied to lords' land, providing services.

Patronage

Mutual support between stronger and weaker parties.

Servus

Latin origin of the term 'serf', meaning slave.

Barter

Exchange of goods instead of currency for trade, adopted when currency became obsolete after Roman collapse.

Which came first? Fiefs or Feudalism?

Fiefs

What was a Fief?

Land granted to a tenant for service.

What was a Vassal?

Tenant who supports the lord in exchange for land.

Who were the Franks?

A Kingdom that first invaded the Western Roman Empire in the 4th century.

What was the Carolingian Dynasty?

Powerful family dominating Western Europe until 10th century.

Pepin the Short

Mayor who became king of the Franks in 751 via coup.

Donation of Pepin

Pepin's land donation to the Catholic Church

When did the Donation of Pepin happen?

756

What did the land Pepin give the Church become?

The Papal States

Einhard

Scholar who wrote Charlemagne's biography, 'Vita Karoli Magni'.

Charlemagne

King who consolidated control over Francia, Germany and Northern Italy

Holy Roman Emperor

Title legitimized by the Pope for Charlemagne.

What was the Treaty of Verdun?

Agreement dividing Charlemagne's empire among his sons.

When did the Treaty of Verdun happen?

843

Louis the Pious

Charlemagne's son who inherited rule of his empire in 814 after his death

Charles the Bald

Son who received the future France territory.

Louis the German

Son who received the future Germany territory.

Lothair

Son who received parts of future Italy and part of France and Germany.

Illiteracy

High rates among serfs during the Middle Ages.

Why was there a Monopoly on learning?

While serfs were illiterate, some clergy and other members of the Church were able to read and write. Most educated men and thinkers from this time came from the Church