After the fall of Rome, Western Europe was built by the people the Romans called "barabarians." They carved out kingdoms and introduced a system known as FEUDALISM.
This was before there were countries. There were many kings throughout the land and these kings competed for territory and power. Land was the way in which they gained support: they would let others use the land in exchange for loyalty. The king gave land to lords; the lords then divided the parcels of land up to their supporters as well, known as vassals. Often, vassals were knights and they pledged their loyalty to the lords and kings. Down at the bottom were the lowly peasants and serfs. They did all of the work: the farming, the harvesting, they fought when told to and even provided good and entertainment to the vassals, lords and kings.
Feudalism was born out of the invasions by the Vikings. Feudalism proved to be good at providing protection of the people. Plus, feudalism gave a lot of control by the king over the land and people.
However, feudalism was a confusing system because some lords received land from different kings. When war broke out, the lords would have to choose sides and in the process loose some land. Caught in the middle were the peasants and serfs.
Also confusing this system was the Roman Catholic Church. The head of the church was the pope and the church owned land in the feudal system as well. Some kings were lords to the pope, for example. The Church often competed with kings for power and glory. Even though popes were religious leaders, sometimes they didn't act like it. The church had its own army and often got involved in politics of the time. As the Roman Catholic Church was the only Church in Western Europe, the church had a lot of power over people and ideas.
This was before there were countries. There were many kings throughout the land and these kings competed for territory and power. Land was the way in which they gained support: they would let others use the land in exchange for loyalty. The king gave land to lords; the lords then divided the parcels of land up to their supporters as well, known as vassals. Often, vassals were knights and they pledged their loyalty to the lords and kings. Down at the bottom were the lowly peasants and serfs. They did all of the work: the farming, the harvesting, they fought when told to and even provided good and entertainment to the vassals, lords and kings.
Feudalism was born out of the invasions by the Vikings. Feudalism proved to be good at providing protection of the people. Plus, feudalism gave a lot of control by the king over the land and people.
However, feudalism was a confusing system because some lords received land from different kings. When war broke out, the lords would have to choose sides and in the process loose some land. Caught in the middle were the peasants and serfs.
Also confusing this system was the Roman Catholic Church. The head of the church was the pope and the church owned land in the feudal system as well. Some kings were lords to the pope, for example. The Church often competed with kings for power and glory. Even though popes were religious leaders, sometimes they didn't act like it. The church had its own army and often got involved in politics of the time. As the Roman Catholic Church was the only Church in Western Europe, the church had a lot of power over people and ideas.
Characteristics of the Middle Ages in Europe
1. Life was hard for most people. Average life expectancy was about 35 years, depending on the area. Disease and warfare were common facts of life.
2. All political power rested with the king. There was no democracy or concepts of "rights."
3. Most people were uneducated and illiterate. Superstition was rampant.
4. Most people believed that they needed the church for salvation. Therefore, the church leaders had much control over people at this time.
5. Most people lived on a manor. The manor included the castle and a church. The farming was done in the surrounding countryside. Manors were very self-sufficient; everything was made and used locally. During times of war or attack, everyone on the manor would retreat behind the walls of the castle for protection.
Eventually, two countries will rise that will have a great affect on the Middle Ages: England and France.
2. All political power rested with the king. There was no democracy or concepts of "rights."
3. Most people were uneducated and illiterate. Superstition was rampant.
4. Most people believed that they needed the church for salvation. Therefore, the church leaders had much control over people at this time.
5. Most people lived on a manor. The manor included the castle and a church. The farming was done in the surrounding countryside. Manors were very self-sufficient; everything was made and used locally. During times of war or attack, everyone on the manor would retreat behind the walls of the castle for protection.
Eventually, two countries will rise that will have a great affect on the Middle Ages: England and France.