Medieval world

An overview of the Middle Ages and its society and government

1. The Medieval World Power and Society in the Middle Ages

2. Images of the Middle Ages ~ 1

3. Images of the Middle Ages ~ 2

4. Images from the Middle Ages

5. Images of the Middle Ages

6. Medieval Lives

7. Medieval Beliefs

8. The Feudal Society Hierarchical Based on land distribution King at top Tenants-in-Chief Sub-tenants Freemen Villeins, Cottars, Serfs Military Everyone owed allegiance and service to those above them; to protect those below them Service might include military duty, providing fighting men or working on your lord’s land Land could be forfeit if you did not serve your lord as required

9. The King ~ Gaining Power King by will of God Primogeniture Not an absolute guarantee of success Winning battles “Might is right” Support of powerful men – barons Coronation Anointing – separated out from ordinary men Crown – symbolic Oath – threefold : Preserve the peace of the Church and Christian people Prohibit crime and looting Maintain justice and mercy in judgments Also duty to protect lands and borders

10. The King ~ Maintaining Power Once in power had to stay in power Distribute offices and lands wisely Controlling barons and nobles Avoid favourites Strong leadership, in war and peace Dispense justice Maintain the apparatus of power Armed men Treasure / revenue Courts Lands Officials Secretariats Protect realm from foreign foes Marry well Provide male heir Cement alliances

11. The Church ~ 1 Moral authority Save immortal souls Roman Catholic Pope in Rome Another “prince” in the realm? Clergy Hierarchical Pope Cardinal Archbishop Bishop, Abbot Deans Priest, monk, Friar Clerics Educated Often dual role – Church and Government Dual allegiance?

12. The Church ~ 2 Large, wealthy, powerful international organisation. Landowners Educated / educators Government officials Important clergy often from important families Clergy had special status in society Own courts and legal system Tithes Monasteries Generally secluded Life of prayer Purgatory Also teachers Helped poor Provided jobs on their land Friaries spreading More active in the world

13. Both countries with great regional differences Dialect, tradition, customs could differ; even language Made governing problematic Border lands (Marchers) dangerous areas Welsh, Scottish borders Rebellion and unrest France harder to govern Regions even more diverse Some semi-autonomous Many barons wealthier and stronger than king Countries linked since 1066 Duke of Normandy = King of England England – And France

14. England France