The Middle AgesThe period of European history from the fall of the

Roman Empire in the West (5th century) to the fall of Constantinople (1453),

Middle ages are sometimes called Medieval Times, or Dark Ages.

Why Do you think they call it Dark Ages?

Barbarian Invasions cause theFall of the Western Roman Empire

Rise ofNewKingdoms/States that are not united

New Kingdoms are unable to protect themselves fromBarbarianInvasions, causing a need for localized Protection

TheRise of Feudalism in Europe

The Middle Ages or Medieval Period ( 500 CE -1500 CE.)

Feudalism- (Fyoo-duh-lih-zuhm) A system of PROTECTION in the Middle Ages.

Vassal- An agreement between lords & knights that stated that they would protect the land. Knights were called their lords “vassals”.

Key words Essential to Feudalism

Feudal Europe Power Pyramid

PopesLeader of Church

Popes were seen as representatives of God on Earth.

Kings

Leader of Kingdoms/ States

All lords/nobles and knights swore an oath of loyalty to the king to protect the land.

Nobles/LordsSwore loyalty to the king and were given land called “fiefs” to protect

KnightsArmored warriors that protected the land.

They often received “fiefs” for their service.

Peasants Worked on the lords land

Serfs: An agricultural laborer bound under the feudal system to work on his lord's estate

Protection from who?1. The Vikings invaded

from Scandinavia- They were quick and savage. They attacked Ireland, England and France. They looted and captured people to sell into slavery. Most Europeans lived in terror of them

2. The Magyars from Asia3. The Muslims (from

South)

Vikings, Muslims and Magyars Invasion Map

Social & Political system that developed after

the collapse of the Roman Empire.◦ Important Characteristics◦ Loyalty◦ Service◦ Hierarchies of Power◦ Protection

Feudalism

The Feudal System The Anglo-Normans

brought a new language, French, and a new social system, feudalism, to the country.

Feudalism was not just a social system, but also a caste system, a property system, and a military system.

The Feudal System The basic chain of

feudalism was as follows:1. God2. Kings 3. Nobles (Barons, Bishops, etc.)4. Knights- who did not own land5. Serfs or peasants- who did not own land

The Three Estates The three estates

(social classes) in the Middle Ages were Aristocracy (kings and their vassals), Clergy (Those who prayed- priests, monks, nuns, friars, etc.), and the Commons (everyone else- doctors, lawyers, clerks, yeomen, etc).