The Middle Ages1066-1485

I. The Normans

A. Led by William the ConquerorB. Defeat Anglo-Saxons in 1066C. Bring to England:

1. French language2. Social system-- feudalism3. Property taxes

II. Feudalism

A. King gives barons portions of his land

B. Knights protect the land

C. Serfs work the land

III. Knighthood

A. Must abide by their code of chivalry

B. Must be loyal to their barons

C. May participate in courtly love (serve and adore a lady of the court in a nonsexual relationship)

IV. LiteratureA. Plays about Bible stories

are popular on holidaysB. Ballads (songs/poems)

are recited or sung at home and in alehouses

C. Stories are written about knights’ adventures—romances

D. The Canterbury Tales (a collection of short stories) is the first great piece of English literature

V. Historical Change

A. Women had no rights and were always subservient to men.

B. The archbishop of Canterbury (St. Thomas) is murdered in his cathedral by four of the

king’s knights.

C. The Magna Carta (a precursor to our Constitution) is signed in 1215 to limit a king’s power.

D. Monasteries continued to be the learning centers; however, monks reverted to writing in Latin.

E. A merchant/middle class developed as the population grew in cities

VI. The Black DeathA. Disease spread by fleasB. Wiped out 1/3 of Europe’s populationC. Serfs leave the country & move to citiesD. Brings an end to feudalism and the middle ages.