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CHAPTER 10
LESSON 1
What type of society existed in 330CE?
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Levels of society, hierarchy
upper was mainly white
uneducated
few were educated
violent
religious (monks copied and illustrated the bible, money donated to the church,
tithe)
What type of society exists in 2011CE?
 Student responses in class.
The Story of Roland
students create questions from the story with answers and rank them 1-5.
Quiz / 5.
How is this story indicative of its time??? (IE. How does it represent the time in which it
was written?)
Illustrate your notes as you hear them...
Chapter 10, lesson 1
Illustrative notes
EUROPE AFTER THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Rise of the Germanic Kingdoms (Dark Ages)
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476 Rome fell. Odoacer (Germanic-also known as the Franks) took over as first
foreign ruler of Italy
Beginning of the DARK AGES (little information about this time period)
1450 the Dark Ages end.
The Franks (mainland Europe) and the Anglo Saxons (England) were the main
forces in Europe.
A Conquering People
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In 481 Clovis is the leader of the Franks – he is 15 years old.
o The church is the only thing consistent from the past that carries into the
future.
o Clovis is baptized. This shows his connection to the church. “Every
battle you fight is a victory for us”.
A New Royal Family
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700’s Charles Martel (Charlemagne’s Grandfather) is the king of the Franks
o Martel’s army defeated the Muslim army in Tours, Spain in 732. This
historic battle is called the BATTLE OF TOURS. Spain remained
Christian but could have become Muslim!
751 Pepin (Martel’s son) becomes King Pepin.
Charlemagne's Empire
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768 Charlemagne begins rule of the Franks.
o He fought 60 wars.
o Everyone was expected to be loyal to him.
o Everyone he defeated had to accept the Roman Church.
An Emperor Crowned
o 800 rebellion in Italy.
o Charlemagne is declared Emperor of the Roman Church (Western Europe)
by Pope Leo III.
 He would protect them from the Byzantines.
An Age of Learning
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Manuscripts of old and new are restored.
o In other words, old books are fixed and rewritten.
Religious services (like mass on Sunday in a church) are standardized
(i.e. Everyone does the same thing everywhere in the empire.)
Literacy is encouraged and promoted (everyone learns to read and write).
Corruption (stealing in the government and churches) is eliminated.
1814 Charlemagne dies.
Europe After Charlemagne
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Charles the Pious (Charlemagne's son) was unable to maintain order. His sons
(Lothair, Charles, and Louis) fought for their own control, meanwhile, Europe
was being invaded (Magyars, Muslims, Vikings) and people needed protection…
FEUDALISM would offer them this protection.
o The Vikings established themselves well because they were fearless
fighters and excellent on the seas. Mainland Europe needed help from
Alfred the Great (England)
Medieval England
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800’s – Alfred The Great ruled England and saved Europe from Viking attacks
for 30 years, until 899 (his death)
A New Ruler
o His son - King Edward took over.
o King Edward had no children so the throne went to his brother-in-law
Harold.
 Harold was a weak leader. His cousin William challenged him for
the throne. (William already ruled England and France using the
feudal system.)
 Harold the Saxon vs. William the Norman (Viking)
o They fight in the BATTLE OF HASTINGS 1066.
o FYI – The Bayeux Tapestry is a pictorial of events depicting the battle. It
is over 100 feet long.
New Order
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FEUDALISM existed until the 1200’s.
o Feudalism was adopted because people needed protection from constant
invasions from various groups – these were largely lawless lands.
o Protection was provided to the locals in exchange for:
 Forfeiting or giving up one’s land.
 Serving as a soldier.
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A new hierarchy emerged. The following three groups make up the nobility.
Each group would pledge an OATH OF FEALTY to the group above it.
o First – the king
o Second – the Vassal or Lord. They owned Fiefs (plots of land, or estates,
given to them by the king.) They supplied the knights with their horses
and equipment.
o Third – Knights – protected the manors, or towns, of the Lords. Knights
had big egos and caused a lot of problems – when they were not at war
they started fights in the manors and bullied common people.
QUESTIONS:
Groups generate 2 questions and answers for their respective sections.
9 groups x 2 questions each = 18 questions total.
Lesson 2
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Daily Life in Feudal Europe
Feudal society was based on Loyalty. Homage is a kind of loyalty that means the
vassal represents his superior (lord or king).
Holding hands and kissing… this was part of the ceremony in the oath of fealty.
William the conqueror took over the lands of the people and gave them to his
subjects.
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Students should understand what life was like in a castle – uncomfortable.
o Basic construction – 3-foot thick walls, slits for arrows…
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WOMEN were subjects of their fathers or husbands.
o During wartimes, when all the men were away, women controlled the
manors.
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PEASANTS / SERFS
o Lived in villages
o Living conditions were terrible – they owned nothing.
o They did all the farming for their lords.
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MEDIEVAL
o Middle ages.
o Farming was slow and everything done by hand – few tools.
o Little productivity so they could not support a large population.
CLERGY (members of the Catholic Church.
o Includes the pope, archbishops, monks, and nuns.
o They spread the idea of after-life and the idea that “sinners” would go to
hell. Many people believed they could bribe their way into heaven by
donating to the church.
GROWTH OF TOWNS
o Trade and crafts
GUILDS
o A union (organization that people belong to) that protects people.
o If you wanted to start a trade, like a blacksmith, you would start as an
apprentice… just like Donald Trump’s show!!
Jewish People
o Jews were discriminated against because they could not own land and
could not join guilds.
o They became merchants – very successful.
o Many of their successes lead to discrimination – some still exists today.
Change in Feudalism
o Towns made feudalism weak because people saw the opportunities that
existed beyond (outside of) the manor.
William the Conqueror dies 1087
o His great, great grandson (1199) would eventually lose control of
feudalism.
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o He raised taxes, lost many wars, and angered many people.
o John signed the MAGNA CARTA when his vassals forced him to sign.
The Magna Carta is the basis for our Bill of Rights today. VERY
IMPORTANT!
Lesson 3
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Two Feudal Societies
students should know the similarities and differences between the two systems.
Styles of battle and codes of honour are essential to know.
Guilds – Nicholas... be careful with your answers. :-)
Chapter 10 Review:
 Feudal Hierarchy
 famous people: Clovis, Charlemagne, Alfred the Great, Charles Martel, William
the Conquerer
 Famous battles (battle at Tours, France)
 Domesday book – took note of all land ownership for tax purposes.
◦ Today, people still pay property taxes and are taxed on their income. We pay
taxes on goods at the point of purchase.
 Castle life and roles within it.
 Hierarchy
◦ nepotism (based on 'who' you know) - relationships
◦ meritocracy (based on 'what' you know) – qualifications.
Exam
10 marks mathing
20 marks multiple choice
10 marks written (5 questions worth 2 marks each)