Chapter 9: The Early Middle Ages
What is the hierarchy of feudal society in Europe?
-Kings/queens -Lords -Knights -Peasants -Serfs
What were 3 specific achievements of Charlemagne?
-built schools across Europe -conquered much of the former Roman Empire -introduced improved farming methods
What things did monks contribute to medieval society?
-ran schools -collected and saved Ancient Greek and Roman texts -served as scribes and advisors to local rulers -offered many services such as health care
What are 2 responsibilities lords had in running their manor?
-resolve disputes/punish misbehavers -collect taxes
In exchange for working the fields on their lord's estate, what did serfs receive?
-small pieces of land to live on -protection from attacks
What is a fief?
A piece of land given to knights/vassals in exchange for military service
How did Feudalism develop?
After Rome fell, bandit, thieve and VIKING attacks caused chaos. There was no central government, making everyone unsafe. Villagers went to lords for protection in exchange for working the lord's land. Thus the system of Feudalism developed.
What were a knight's duties to his lord?
He had to... -give the lord money on occasion -fight with his lord if his lord went to war -if his lord came to visit: give him food and shelter
What were a lord's duties to his knights?
He had to... -send help if enemies attacked -had to be fair and not punish without reason -allowed vassals to break ties if he disobeyed his own rules
Who was Charlemagne?
King of the Franks and eventually crowned Emperor of the Romans
What were two groups that helped spread Christianity through Europe?
Monks and missionaries
How were monks and missionaries different?
Monks lived apart from society in monasteries while missionaries traveled to spread Christianity to other lands
Southern Europe has more... Than northern Europe?
Mountains
Why was Europe a dangerous place after Rome fell?
No central government, outlaws, bandits, and invader attacks
Northern Europe has more ... And ... Than southern Europe.
Plains and rivers
What element of European geography allowed for ease of Viking attacks?
Rivers
Where were the Vikings from?
Scandinavia
What system in Europe developed as a result of Viking raids?
The Feudal System
What is Eurasia?
The large landmass that includes both Europe and Asia
For what deed is St. Patrick historically significant?
Converting Ireland to Christianity