European Christendom, 500-1300
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Transcript of European Christendom, 500-1300
European Christendom, 500-1300
I. Eastern Christendom: Byzantine EmpireII. Western Christendom, 500-900III. Crisis & Technological Change, 850-1050IV. Western Xndom, 1050-1300
IDs: Hagia Sophia, vassal, Three Orders model, Normans
Argument
• The creation of a decentralized system of government, called feudalism or lordship, in western Christendom, was a logical result of needs for local defense, German/Viking warrior culture and the military dominance of mounted knights.
I. Eastern Christendom: Byzantine Empire
• Wealthier• More urban• Orthodox
Christianity• Greek
Church of the Hagia Sophia, Constantinople
Eastern Europe & Russia converted by missionaries from Constantinople Orthodox Christianity
Byzantine Empire bears brunt of defense against Muslim Armies: Protects Western Christendom
II. Western Xndom, 500-900
Early Middle AgesA. CharacteristicsrurallocalRoman (Catholic)
ChristianityLatin
B. Mix of 3 influences
1. Roman culture
2. Germanic culture
Warrior Aristocracy – most respected
Roughly egalitarian society“King” was a war leader His band were tied to him
by personal relationships & choice
Non-military decisions made by council
3. The Church
1. Strongest centralizing structure in Xndom
PriestsBishopsPope in Rome
2. Monasticism
MonasteriesMonks/nuns
Focus on converting Germanic kings, then people
C. Government: Germanic Kingdoms
Weak central authority of kings
Strong authority of local lords
D. Big Exception: Charlemagne’s Empire, c. 800
Charlemagne
Strong & successful war-leader
Personal charismaSupport of churchmen
and warriors
Pope crowns Charlemagne “Roman Emperor” on Christmas Day, 800
After his death, division & disintegration of his empire
III. Crisis & Technological Change, 850-1050
A. NewInvasions• Vikings• Muslims• Magyars
B. Viking Technology
Ships
Keelrudder
Viking Voyages: Plunder & Trade
Viking graffiti in the Church of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople
C. From Raiders to Settlers: “Normans”Charles, King of
West Frankland (later France)
Rollo, Viking Chief Duke of Normandy
912
Political Solution
• Give invaders land• Make their leader
acknowledge the overlordship of the king
• Convert them to Christianity
• Result: New warriors; new energy
• Normans rule in Normandy, England, Sicily & become important Crusaders
William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy) attacks England in 1066
Bayeux Tapestry
D. New Military Technologies, ca. 1000 1. The Castle
Peasants seek protection
• Local lord protects peasants from invaders
• Peasants become his serfs (bound to work his land) and give him produce & labor
2. The Stirrup
3. Mounted Knights
Human Tank
E. Agricultural Inventions, ca. 1000
• Horse collar• Heavy plow
Result: Agricultural Revolution
F. Result: Big Shift in Western Xndom ca. 1000
No more invasionsMore wealth from landTrade increasesPopulation increasesMore power to knights
2 results:System of Feudalism
(Lordship) expandsWestern Christendom
starts expanding outward (from invaded to invader)
IV. Western Xndom, 1050-1300“Medieval Europe”
A. Growth in power & influence of The Church, especially pope
B. Gov’t.: Medieval European Feudalism or Lordship (1100-1300)
Knights: Lord – vassal relationships
Lord gives vassal a fief (usually land) & protection.
Vassal gives lord military service & loyalty.
Vassal pledges homage to lord.
Knight becomes a local lord, & rules fief (manor & serfs)
C. Three Orders model
Those who prayclergy
Those who fightnobility
Those who workpeasants(everyone else)
Reality
Vassals often not loyalConstant warfareNo external enemyNobles & clergy take
agricultural surplus from serfs.
D. Chivalry: “Civilizing” knights
1st Stage – 1000-1150 – Military prowess & loyalty
2nd Stage – 1150-1300 – Courtly love
E. Expansion of Xndom
Argument
The creation of a decentralized system of government, called feudalism or lordship, in western Christendom, was a logical result of needs for local defense, German/Viking warrior culture and the military dominance of mounted knights.