Chapter 3 The Middle Ages.ppt

Division threeThe Middle Ages The Middle Ages I. General Introduction II. Manor and Church III. Learning and Science IV. Literature V. Art and Architecture I. General Introduction In European history, the thousand-year period following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century is called the Middle Ages. I. General Introduction The Middle Ages Knighthood I. General Introduction The Middle Ages is also called the “Age of Faith”： ⑴ no central government to keep the order. ⑵ the Christianity continued to gain widespread power and influence. ⑶ Christianity took the lead in politics, law, art, and learning for hundreds of years. II. Manor and Church Feudalism The Church The Crusades Feudalism Feudalism in Europe was mainly a system of land holding – a system of holding land in exchange for military service. Growth of Feudalism When Roman Empire grew weak, people lived in danger of attacks. Owners of small farms sought protection from large land-owners. In 732, Charles Martel gave his solders estates known as fiefs as a reward for their service. After 800, some nobles grew more powerful than the king, and became independent rulers. Three elements of feudalism lords vassals fiefs Characteristics of feudalism the localization of political and economic power in the hands of lords and their vassals; the exercise of that power from the base of castles, each of which dominated the district in which it was situated.  Manors were founded on the fiefs of the lords. Some lords owned only one manor; others owned many. They lived in a manor house. By the 12th century manor houses were made of stone and designed as fortresses. Knighthood and Code of Chivalry Almost all nobles were knights in the Medieval days. But no one was born a knight – knighthood had to be earned. Knighthood and Code of Chivalry 7 - was taught to say his prayers, - learned good manners and - ran errands for the ladies. 14 - b