The Middle AgesA period in Europe from 500 to 1500 AD.

Charlemagne

• Charlemagne was crowned emperor in 800. He tried to strengthen his kingdom by giving land to nobles.

• In return, nobles pledged their loyalty to him, maintained roads, bridges, defense walls, and estates.

Charlemagne

• Charlemagne:1. Was a devout Catholic2. Promoted learning and culture3. United Western Europe4. Standardized currency

• After Charlemagne's death, his empire fell apart.• Vikings invaded to steal good and set up

trade routes

New government

• Most of the kings who ruled England governed justly, but there ware no limits on the King’s power.

• So in 1215, the Magna Carta was signed by King John.

• The Magna Carta contained 63 clauses that limited the king’s power, and gave it to lords and landholders.

Life in the Middle ages

• Christianity was an important part of daily life.

• Cathedrals were built, missions began, devout Christians become nuns and monks.

• The Feudal System began as a result of people meeting their own needs for protection and justice.

The feudal system

• The Feudal Pyramid• Power in feudal system is similar to a pyramid,

with the king at the top.• Kings were served by nobles, who were served by

knights, with the peasants (serfs) at the bottom.• Social class is usually inherited and the majority of

people are peasants.• Most peasants are serfs—people lawfully bound to

place of birth. Some are free men.• Serfs aren’t slaves, but what they produce belongs

to their lord.

The feudal system

The manor system

• Allowed the lord of the manor along with the knights and the serfs to be self sufficient, providing opportunities to grow or make everything they needed.

• Manor System Included:1. Manor house

2. Farmland

3. Village (serfs’ lived)

4. Church

5. Mill