Charlemagne Unit 3, SSWh 7A

Charlemagne, Feudalism, & Knights UNIT 3, SSWH 7A

What was everyday life like in Medieval Europe?

SSWH 7 a Explain the manorial system and feudalism; include the status of peasants and feudal monarchies and the importance of Charlemagne.

CHARLEMAGNE  United western Europe

under one king  Built an empire greater than any since Rome  Spread Christianity through conquests  Crowned emperor by Pope Leo III, joining the church

& govt. p.215-216

Continued  Limited the authority of the

nobles, used royal agents  Empire divides upon his retirement (3 grandsons fight over it) – Treaty of Verdun splits up

Feudalism: Emerged 850 – 950 AD  A system of governing & landholding  Feudalism depended on the control of land  Lords (landowners) granted land (a fief) in

exchange for protection by knight (a vassal)  Feudalism shaped as a pyramid: king at the top, mostly wealthy/powerful vassals (nobles or bishops), then knights, & at the bottom peasants/serfs p.219 -224

Continued  Feudalism estab 3 social classes  Those who fought (nobles &

knights), those who prayed (men & women of the church), & those who worked (peasants)  Knights trained for 14 yrs. – served 3 things: landlord, Lord, and lady

Manorial System – Lord’s Estate (economic arrangement)  Based on obligations & rights between a lord & peasant/serf  Lords provided housing, farmland, & protection  Serf worked the lord’s land, cared for animals, & maintained the manor (they were not allowed to leave the manor)

Continued  Self-sufficient community:

house, church, workshop, & mill  Most lived to 35 & most didn’t travel more than 25 miles  Peasants/serfs accepted lives because of the church teachings

The Count  3: Name the 3 feudal classes  2: Name 2 characteristics of the

manorial system  1: What is one major accomplishment of Charlemagne? Jot Down – Prepare to Share