Medieval Europe

Order in the absence of empire

Geography of Europe

• Eurasia – Combined continents of Europe and Asia

• Known as a peninsula of peninsulas– Jutland, Italian, Scandinavian, Kola, etc.

• Several Islands of Europe– Iceland, British Isles, Balearic Islands,

Corsica, Sicily, Sardinia, Crete.

Geography of Europe

• Landforms– Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathian, Caucasus, Ural,

Apennines - Mountain Ranges

• Rivers– Many rivers that are deep and wide enough

for large ships.– Volga – longest river.– Danube, Rhine, and Dnieper

Medieval Europe

• Germanic tribes set up small kingdoms in Italy, Gaul, Spain, Britain, and North Africa.– Franks – dominated area west of Roman Empire.– Germanic government depended on warrior

loyalty. What about Rome and Greece?• Few govt. officials and few taxes. Free Service.

– Laws based on customs and the prevention of family feuds.

Kingdom of the Franks

• From Germany and Belgium

• 5th Century under Clovis– Thought Church would make him more

powerful. Was only Roman Catholic King in Gaul.

– Died in 511 and kingdom was divided into among his four sons.

– Power of the Franks started to decline with death of Clovis.

The Franks

• 700s the Germanic tribes were invaded by Muslims.– Went through Europe and Spain.– Battle of Tours

• Charles Martel rallied Christians to defeat the Muslims.

– Martel – organized a strong central govt.• Est. Carolingian dynasty.• When he died his son, Pepin, was elected and approved

by the Pope. – Symbolized strong ties b/w King and Church.

Charlemagne

• Germanic invaders toppled Rome in 476, but no clear successor to emerged.

– The Franks temporarily controlled the empire; the high point of which was the reign of Charlemagne from 768-814 Charlemagne

Charlemagne• Came to power in 768

– Strengthened the central govt.– Conquered Europe and Western Roman Empire.– Ran 50 military campaigns and doubled the size of

the kingdom.

– 800 – Pope Leo III crowned him “Emperor of the Romans”

– Wanted Uniform Laws• Appointed judges for this cause.

Charlemagne

• Missi Dominici– Messengers that checked with local nobles to see that

they were being responsible for justice and defense of their lands.

– Supported Christianity• Encouraged missionaries and parishes within the empire.• Wanted to convert the Saxons to Christianity.

– Encouraged Education• Education for the Clergy• Learned Latin and how to write.• Strengthened empire and created a new culture.

Charlemagne

• Parishes – rural districts of the church each with own priest.

• Required all Christians to tithe.

• Carolingian minuscule– Both capital and lower-case letters we use

today.

Franks are Invaded

• No longer was the government centrally led by one.

• By lacking a great leader, the Franks became open to invasion.

• Very small bands of people attacked the Franks in Northern Europe

Invasions of Europe

• Treaty of Verdun (814)– Charlemagne’s grandsons divided the empire

into 3 kingdoms.

– Happened when new invaders were emerging within Europe.

• Magyars (Hungarians) and Muslims– Magyars and Slavs attacked Western Europe.– Muslims attacked Italy.

Charlemagne’s Empire Collapses:Charlemagne’s Empire Collapses:Treaty of Verdun, 843Treaty of Verdun, 843

Charlemagne’s Empire Collapses:Charlemagne’s Empire Collapses:Treaty of Verdun, 843Treaty of Verdun, 843

Invasions of Europe

• Vikings– Farmers and traders from Scandinavia

(Norway, Sweden, & Denmark).• Burned and looted towns.• Attacked Northern France, settled Iceland, and

Greenland, and occupied parts of England.• Leif Ericson – settled in North America.• People turned to local leaders and nobles for

protection from the Vikings.

Regional States

• After Charlemagne, his successor Carolingians had no effective means of defending against Magyars, Muslims, Vikings, and other invaders

• In response, European nobles sought to protect their lands and maintain order in their own territories

Viking long ship

Medieval Society

• Invasions led to another type of government.

• Feudalism: Rule by Loyalty– Why Feudalism?

• Constant attacks• Lack of central protection and safety.

FeudalismFeudalismFeudalismFeudalismA political, economic, and social system based on loyalty and military service.

Medieval Society

• Feudalism: Order out of Chaos– Kings granted large areas of land to Lords for the

Lord’s loyalty.• The gift was called a fief or estate.

– Lords could then offer smaller parts of land to Vassals (lesser nobles)

• Vassals & Knights controlled the people on the land and their possessions.

• Peasants – bound to the land and worked the land for exchange for protection from the vassal.

Feudalism

• No true hierarchy of lords and vassals.

• Because the feudal hierarchy arose as a makeshift for defense against invaders, it always had a provisional, ad hoc, and flexible character

– There was no “system”

Feudal Society

• Lord owned land, but Vassal had the right to use it and to pass it on to his heirs.

• In exchange for a fief, the vassal promised military service to the lord. (40 days a year)– Also promised taxes and fees.

Vassal Obligations

• Payment of an annual fee for land.

• Ransom payment if lord was captured.

• Payment of a fee when the lord’s eldest daughter or eldest son was married.

Feudal Society• Reality – King had Limited Power

– King could not collect taxes or enforce laws outside their own estates.

– No single unified system• Vassal to many different fiefs. Lords could inherit

vassals of lesser lords, etc.

– When invasions decreased, warfare continued.• Lords competed for power – Greed, honor, and

family feuds fueled the competition.

Knights

• Creation of Knights– Fought for lesser lords.– Lesser lords answered to lords, and lords to

the King.• Charles Martel – realized that Knights couldn’t

afford armor so he granted them land and peasants for service.

• Lifelong training

The Road to KnighthoodThe Road to KnighthoodThe Road to KnighthoodThe Road to Knighthood

KNIGHT

SQUIRE

PAGE

Feudal Warfare

• Most battles were small and involved a few hundred to a thousand people.

• Knights were more likely to be captured than killed. Could get a ransom for them.

• Large stone castles were constructed for protection.

Chivalry

• Code of conduct for knights.

• Expected to be brave, generous, and loyal in battle but did not govern a knight’s behavior toward peasants and common people.

• Respect noblewomen and defend his family’s honor.

Castles

• Centers of noble life

• Purposes:– Intimidation

– Military defense

– Residence

Warwick Castle, England

Noblewomen• Few rights under warfare.

– Inherit a fief, but not rule it.– Father, Husband, or Son was her legal guardian.

• Arranged marriages– Duty of raising a large family.

• Education– Practical skills – spinning, weaving, cooking.

– Chivalry – put women on a pedestal as objects to be cherished and protected.

Manors

• Manors were large estates consisting of fields, meadows, forests, agricultural tools, domestic animals, and serfs

• The lord of the manor provided government, administration, police services, and justice for the manor

• In the absence of thriving cities in rural areas, manors became largely self-sufficient communities

Feudal Justice

• Lords were supposed to provide justice for the manor.

• Laws were based on customs.

• Knights had trials by combat.

• God often decided guilt or innocence.

Serfs

• Free peasants sought protection from a lord and pledged their labor and obedience in exchange for security and land to cultivate

• Peasants began to be recognized as serfs– neither fully slave nor fully free– But still owed obligations to the

lords whose lands they cultivated

Serfs’ Obligations

• Right to work land, and to pass it on• In exchange they had to perform labor services

and pay rents in kind (a portion of the harvest, chickens, eggs, etc)

• Male serfs typically worked three days a week for their lords with extra services during planting and harvesting times

• Women serfs churned butter, spun thread, and sewed clothes for their lords and their families

Serfs’ Obligations

• Since the lord provided the land, the serfs had little opportunity to move and had to get the lord’s permission to do so– Even had to pay fees

to marry someone who worked for a different lord

Life on the Manor

• Each manor was self-sufficient.

• Crop Rotation Introduced.– 1st Field – Winter Crop – Wheat or Rye– 2nd Field – Spring Crop – Oats, Beans, Barley– 3rd Field – Left Alone

– Advantages – Did not wear out the soil, less likely to face starvation, improved diet.

Innovation

• Plow

• Horseshoes and Harnesses

• Windmill

• Clearing the land – Serfs offered Freedom

The Medieval Church

• Two Tasks– Converting Non-Christians– Organizing the Church in a new structure of

lifestyle.

• System of Rural Churches Created– Created from scattered and spread out villages

The Feudal Church

• Clergy had great power in political affairs.• Church Officials

– Gave blessings for marriage, politics, knighthood, etc.

– Friday – Sunday no wars allowed.

• Christians who disobeyed were excommunicated and lost property.

Economics

• Trade fairs introduced the people to languages, customs, and goods from all over the world.– Many Nobles introduced taxes and fees for

traders entering their lands• 1200s trade fairs declined.

The Hanseatic League

• Founded 80 cities and towns in Northern Germany.

• Banded together for protection and trade.

• Built large naval fleet to protect against pirates.

• Became a powerful coalition.

Trade

• As trade increased old cities reemerged along trade routes.– Growth of cities stimulated economies.– Trade created middle class = merchants and artisans

called the bourgeoisie.

• Creation of Guilds– Associations of merchants and artisans that governed the

town.– Regulated prices, wages, quality, and foreign competition.

Economics

• Creation of just price or cost of material plus a reasonable profit.

• Trade memberships offered– Rigorous training to limit competition and keep

prices and wages up.– Apprentices learned from master craftsmen.

• 3-12 years long• Apprentice Journeyman Master Craftsman

– Earned wages with the master craftsman while perfecting skills.

Town Life

• Villages or towns of a few thousand individuals.

• Poor sanitation and animals often scavenged the road ways for food.

• Made completely of wood and thick outside walls.

• Dangerous epidemics of disease (smallpox and typhoid)

Medieval Culture

• Art and Architecture reflected the power of the church.– Huge Cathedrals were built in major towns.– Some took more than 30 yrs. to complete.– 500 built from 500-1300– Romanesque - thick outside walls, domes, and

rounded arches.– Gothic - cathedrals were built tall, light, and airy.

Early Medieval Architecture

• Byzantine– Continuation of Roman

architecture– Domes and windows

• Light into the church• Openness led to feeling

of exaltation

– Russian and Eastern Orthodox • Onion domes

Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

• Heavy thick walls• Arches over windows• Vaulted ceilings• Fortress castles

Romanesque Architecture

• Dark Age Churches– Massive walls– Difficult to put in large windows– Wooden beam construction

• Norman Castles– High thick fortress walls

– Little decoration

– Each room had a fireplace

Gothic Architecture

• How the Gothic styles works– Concrete and stone– Pointed Arches– Ribbed vaults distributed

force onto pillars

Gothic Architecture• How the Gothic styles works

(cont.)– Pillars needed reinforcement

• Massive Pillars• More weight on top • Flying Buttresses

Gothic

• Other gothic churches– Flying

buttresses replaced massive pillars

– More height

Notre DameChartres

Gothic Architecture

Notre Dame Flying

Buttresses

Gothic Architecture

• Reconstruction of St. Denis – Combined elements from

many styles• Rose Window• Pointed Arch Vaults

Gothic Architecture

• Reconstruction of St. Denis (cont.)– Combined elements from

many styles• High Walls• Enlarged Windows

Gothic Architecture

• Functional decorations– Gargoyles

Gothic Architecture

• Cathedral Economics– Several millions dollars– Fairs with the cathedral– Artisans learned new

skills– Decorations were

donations (guilds)

Gothic Architecture• Other gothic churches

– Scripture windows

Gothic Architecture

Gothic– Contest with the tallest

church– Spire height and church

size related to civic pride– Chartres

Gothic Architecture

• Exteriors– Facades became works

of art

– Statues in nooks

– Raised towers—feeling of reaching to heaven

Notre Dame

Gothic Architecture

English Vertical Gothic Style

Gothic Architecture

• German churches were slow in adopting gothic styles– Cologne cathedral

• Cathedral at Milan

Medieval Culture

• Science and Technology– Scientific thought was lost during the mid-ages– The Church was the unquestioned authority in all

aspects of life.– Invention of the heavy plow, waterwheel,

windmill, clocks, glass.

• Medieval Medicine– Relied on folk medicine.– Illness created by evil spirits

Medieval Education

• Universities created – under control of Church.– Excluded women from higher learning.– Studied rhetoric, grammar, logic, geometry,

arithmetic, astronomy, music.– Little comfort and was strenuous

– Similar to Guilds• Protected student interests and teacher interests,

established courses of study, set standards

Historical Historical Religious Religious ConflictConflict

The CrusadesThe Crusades

In 700, the Holy Land fell to the MuslimsIn 700, the Holy Land fell to the Muslims Christians started to take pilgrimages there Christians started to take pilgrimages there

way back in 200.way back in 200. In 1000, Muslims killed thousands of In 1000, Muslims killed thousands of

Christian pilgrims.Christian pilgrims.

This led to 4 Crusades to retake the Holy This led to 4 Crusades to retake the Holy Land over the next 200 years.Land over the next 200 years.

CrusadesCrusades

Roman CatholicRoman Catholic Christianity Christianity vs. Turks vs. Turks MuslimMuslim

Palestine and Israel Palestine and Israel (Mainly the Jerusalem (Mainly the Jerusalem region)region)

Pope Urban II called for the Christians Pope Urban II called for the Christians of Europe to battle the Muslims and of Europe to battle the Muslims and regain Jerusalem for Christianity – regain Jerusalem for Christianity – Council of ClermontCouncil of Clermont

CrusadesCrusades

Urban’s MotivesUrban’s Motives Unite the ChurchUnite the Church Increase prestige of ChurchIncrease prestige of Church Reduce Warfare between Feudal Lords.Reduce Warfare between Feudal Lords.

CrusadesCrusades

People’s Reasons…People’s Reasons… Believed they were obeying God.Believed they were obeying God. Others thought of the fabulous riches in Others thought of the fabulous riches in

Jerusalem.Jerusalem. Others wanted to fight for the glory of Others wanted to fight for the glory of

God.God. Pope excused crusaders from certain Pope excused crusaders from certain

taxes and debts while they were away taxes and debts while they were away fighting.fighting.

CrusadesCrusades

11stst Crusade. Crusade. Peter the HermitPeter the Hermit

Barefoot preacher leading them to heaven.Barefoot preacher leading them to heaven.

Most did not have any food or money and Most did not have any food or money and attacked many non-Christian towns along attacked many non-Christian towns along the way. the way.

1099 – Jerusalem took.1099 – Jerusalem took. Muslim and Jewish men slaughtered.Muslim and Jewish men slaughtered.

CrusadesCrusades

For 200 Years Christians traveled For 200 Years Christians traveled back and forth b/w Mediterranean.back and forth b/w Mediterranean.

Edessa fell to the Turks and Bernard Edessa fell to the Turks and Bernard of Clairvaux called for 2of Clairvaux called for 2ndnd Crusade. Crusade.

Saladin (Muslim) captured Jerusalem Saladin (Muslim) captured Jerusalem in 1189.in 1189.

CrusadesCrusades

33rdrd Crusade lasted from 1189-1192. Crusade lasted from 1189-1192. King Richard of England captured land King Richard of England captured land

but could not capture Jerusalem.but could not capture Jerusalem.

A truce was set up that said Christians A truce was set up that said Christians would be protected when they visited would be protected when they visited Jerusalem.Jerusalem.

CrusadesCrusades 44thth Crusade Crusade

Venice – Constantinople = fought over trade.Venice – Constantinople = fought over trade. Churches looted in Constantinople.Churches looted in Constantinople.

Crusades had given way to greed and political Crusades had given way to greed and political ambition.ambition.

Tarnished the view of the crusaders by all people.Tarnished the view of the crusaders by all people.

Children Crusade = 20,000 children went to the Children Crusade = 20,000 children went to the Mediterranean only to be sold into slavery at Mediterranean only to be sold into slavery at Marseille.Marseille.

Results of the CrusadesResults of the Crusades Started out to unify and bring loyalty and Started out to unify and bring loyalty and

prestige back to the church.prestige back to the church. Thousands were killed.Thousands were killed.

Eventually gave way to greed and Eventually gave way to greed and corruption. Many people blamed the corruption. Many people blamed the Church.Church.

Increased TradeIncreased Trade Crusaders needed ships.Crusaders needed ships. Silk, cotton, spices sent to Europe.Silk, cotton, spices sent to Europe. Marco Polo…?Marco Polo…? Cities and Towns reemerge.Cities and Towns reemerge.

New PracticesNew Practices

People charged what they could get People charged what they could get for goods.for goods.

Money started to be lent for interest. Money started to be lent for interest. Interest based on the risk involved.Interest based on the risk involved.

Bills of Exchange Introduced.Bills of Exchange Introduced. Allowed merchants to pay for goods in Allowed merchants to pay for goods in

distant cities without actually carrying distant cities without actually carrying gold coinsgold coins

Feudalism no more…Feudalism no more…

Increased trade and coined money Increased trade and coined money changed life on the manor.changed life on the manor. People bought fabrics and weapons from People bought fabrics and weapons from

traders in the Eastern Mediterranean.traders in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Peasants allowed to pay rent in money and Peasants allowed to pay rent in money and not grain or labor.not grain or labor.

Lords were resented and often paid for Lords were resented and often paid for people to protect them.people to protect them.

Peasants and serfs could also buy their Peasants and serfs could also buy their freedom.freedom.

Jews during the CrusadesJews during the Crusades

Jewish people were treated badly.Jewish people were treated badly. Accused of killing Christian children.Accused of killing Christian children. Jews couldn’t own landJews couldn’t own land Jews couldn’t be in guildsJews couldn’t be in guilds

Money-Lending was allowed on the Money-Lending was allowed on the Feudal Lords land. Feudal Lords land.

Aftermath of CrusadesAftermath of Crusades Europeans carved out Europeans carved out

four states in Palestinefour states in Palestine Many castles and Many castles and

fortresses were built to fortresses were built to protect the states from protect the states from Muslim forces. Muslim forces.

The Muslims gradually The Muslims gradually recaptured the recaptured the territory, and European territory, and European presence in Palestine presence in Palestine ended in 1291. ended in 1291.

These events would These events would later come back to hurt later come back to hurt relations in the future relations in the future between these peoples. between these peoples.

Legacy of the Middle Ages• 1199, King John of England came under

criticism.– John demanded large sums of money from

his Lords and people to pay for war and his costly way of life.

– Lords fought back and demanded rights of their own.

• Including John’s own knights.

Legacy• Magna Carta

– King must live under the law of others.– Spelled out the rights of the people and

expanded noble law to the common people.

– During Feudal times the world took several steps backward.

– However, by the end of the Crusades advancement and prominence was beginning to reemerge.