The Medieval Period
700-1500
Important definitions
- Manorialism: the medieval system by which land was rented to tenants by The Lord of a manor, who also exercised legal authority and presided over a court for the area.
- Feudalism: the dominant social system in medieval europe, in which the nobility service, and vassals were in turn tenants of the nobles, while the peasants (villeins or serfs) were obliged to live on their lord's land and give him homage, labor, and a share of the produce, notionally in exchange for military protection.
- Humanism: belief that you can do anything you put your mind to.
- Nationalism: pride in ones country
Europe
Black Death
Started in 1348 during the 100 years war. Brought to Europe from the fleas aboard the Chinese trade ships. Black Death was a mix of different types of plagues, including the bubonic plague. This disease rapidly killed about 13 of Europe's population that's about 25 million people. Because so many people died, they began to burn bodies many didn't get a funeral or blessing. If you caught the Black Death the dying tissues rotted, causing your body to turn black. Most people had to smell their decomposing flesh. Death occurred in hours or up to five painful days.
Spanish Inquisition
In 1478, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella begin the purification of Spain from heretics and nonbelievers of the Catholic Church. They ordered Jews and Muslims out of Spain or they would be murdered. Many "converted" to Catholic. The king and queen didn't believe they actually converted, so they took the heretics and tortured them until they gave up other names, died, or confessed.
Growth of Cities
- Florence- control of wealth
- Medici family- Italy's first banking system, had power and control. Encouraged the arts
- Advancements in nationalism and weapons including the cannon and longbow.
- Religion- Pope and Catholic Church lost influence as a result of loss to Muslims in crusades.
- Human potential- humanism. people moved from manors to cities. A need for merchants and artisans increased. Black Death causes high demand for more workers. Social status now based on wealth and ability.
Crusades
- Leo IX- 1049 wanted to reform the church
- Gregory VII- thought popes should have power to choose bishops, believed popes not kings got their power from God. excommunicated King Henry IV
- Henry IV- thought popes had too much power. Wanted kings to choose bishops because god had chosen the king. Tried to remove Gregory VII from pope.
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church was an essential part of daily life. The pope was head of the holy Roman Catholic Church. He was a political and spiritual leader. His job was to baptize, take communion, christening, marriages, and funerals.
Monarch
Leo IX- 1049 he wanted to reform the church
Gregory VII- thought popes should have power to choose bishops. Believed popes not kings got their power from God.
Henry IV- thought popes had too much power. Thought kings should choose bishops because God has chosen them as king. Tried to remove Gregory from pope.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella- started Spanish Inquisition to purify Spain from heretics and nonbelievers.
Knights
It was their duty to learn how to fight and serve their liege lord. The code of chivalry dictated that a knight should be brave and fearless in battle but could also exhibit cultured knightly qualities showing them to be devout, loyal, courteous, and generous. Weapons included the sword, lance, battle axe,mace, and dagger. Their job centered around enhancing their knightly skills in the use of weapons, horsemanship, and medieval warfare.
Advancements
- Nationalism
- Cannon
- Longbow