0.7- Feudalism and the Manor Economy

What happened during invasions?

decentralized political and economic structure evolved in medieval Europe

What was Feudalism?

loosely organized system of rule where powerful local land lords divided landholdings among lesser lords

vassals pledged service and loyalty to great lord in exchange

mainly based upon loyalty

Can one person be a vassal to a greater lord and lord to a less powerful vassal at the same time?

yes

What was the feudal contract between lords and vassals

a pledge;

lords expected military service, payments, and Loyalty⭐ from vassals

lords granted vassals protection and fiefs (land)

Where did most nobles live and how did it help?

in castles servings as fortresses;

wars centered on seizing castles commanding strategic river crossings, harbors, or mountain passes;

peasants could take refuge in castle walls during war

What was the way of life for nobles?

war

What did nobles train for since boyhood?

to be knights, ride horseback, fight, care for weapons, competed in mock battles (tournaments)

How did noblewomen also participate in warrior society vs. what were they expected to learn?

took over estates while husbands at war

fought to defend lands;

few learned to read/write, expected to learn spinning, weaving, and supervising of servants

What were knights expected to follow in the later Middle Ages?

Code of Conduct/Chivalry

What did the Code of Conduct required knights it be? (6)

1: loyal

2: brave

3: honest

4: fight fairly

5: treat captured knights well

6: protect the weak;

few lived up to standards but provided standard of behavior

Who were troubadours

wandering musicians,

often sang about knights and ladies,

songs formed basis for medieval romances, epic stores, and poems

What was a manor?

lord’s estate

What was included and took place on manors? (5)

had 1 or more villages and surrounding lands,

self-sufficient

had water mill to grind grain

a church

shops to manufacture needed items

What happened between peasants and lords on manors?

lord administered justice, provided land, and protected peasants,

peasants owed labor and goods

What did serfs do? (5)

bound to land for life (as well as families)

barely made $

did all the labor for full week (laborers)

couldn’t leave manor or get married without permission

paid fees

What did serfs get in return?

allowed to farm some land for themselves, received protection during war

How was the serfs work?

harsh

What was common for serfs?

hunger an disease common

What did serfs celebrate?

events like marriages, births, Christmas, and Easter