Do Now
What’s the point of a castle?
What Are We Doing Today?
European Feudalism!
April 16, 2021
Homework
Day in the Life - if you didn’t finish it
Feudalism
Loosely organized system of rule where�powerful local Lords divided their lands�among lesser Lords (called vassals)
Vassals pledged service and loyalty to the greater Lord
Pledges between Lords and vassals by feudal contracts
Fief, or estate, given to vassal - in addition to protection
Vassal needed to give 40 days military service & money
Structured Society
Monarchs, or kings/queens, were at the top
Lords beneath monarchs, held largest fiefs
Lords had vassals, who had more� vassals, and so on
Vassals may have pledged loyalty� to several Lords
The World of Nobles
Knights - mounted warriors
At 7 years old, boys went to the Lord’s�castle to train
How to keep armor and weapons in good condition
At end of training, knelt before an older knight
Tournaments (mock battles) came about when feudal battles decreased
A Knight's Tale
Castles
Fortification of homes and lands by nobles
Included a keep (a tower), a fence, and a moat (water-filled ditch)
Stock up on supplies in case of sieges
Invaders may tunnel under walls
Look Familiar? (Think Disney…)
Interior of a Medieval Castle
Noblewomen
“Lady of the manor” took over husband’s duties while away fighting
Supervised vassals, managed home, agricultural/medical tasks
Land given as part of dowry - couldn’t get it if husband died
Expected to know how to weave, spin, supervise servants
Chivalry
Knights required to do this
Be brave, loyal, and true to their word
Warfare: fight fairly; treat captured knight � well or release if agreed to pay ransom
Supposed to put women on a pedestal - protected, cherished
Troubadours (wandering poets) adopted the � above
http://www.makeyourcoatofarms.com/app.asp
Go to the website on Google Classroom and create your own unique coat of arms. Get creative!
I do want to see them, however. Here’s how you do it: