Video Lesson

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the main features of the medieval period.
• Analyse the components of medieval world Civilization s.
• Recognize the merits and demerits of the medieval period.

Brainstorming Questions

What is the difference between Feudalism and capitalism in Medieval Europe?

Key Terms

4.1.1 Dark Age

The “Dark Age” refers to the period in West European history from 500 AD to 1000 AD, characterized by a decline in civilization following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This era is termed the “Dark Ages” due to significant cultural and societal deterioration.

Causes of Decline

• Internal Issues: The Western Roman Empire experienced division and decay.
• External Invasions: The empire faced invasions in the 5th century AD from various groups:
  • Germanic Tribes: Anglo-Saxons and Franks
  • Asiatic Tribes: Huns and Magyars

Consequences

• Decline of Greco-Roman Civilization: Cultural and societal structures weakened.
• Rural Societies: Urban areas diminished as societies became predominantly rural.
• Rise of Feudalism: A new socio-economic and political order emerged, characterized by the construction of churches, castles, and palaces.
• Record Keeping: Bishops and monks played a crucial role in preserving records.
• Chivalry: Knights adopted codes of conduct, though warfare was prevalent among rulers and lords.

Transition to Stability

By around 1000 AD, signs of stability began to reappear, laying the groundwork for a feudal society.

4.1.2 Feudal Society

As Western Europe fragmented, the rise of powerful lords and vassals gave birth to feudalism, a socio-political system that lasted from 500 to 1500 AD.

Structure of Feudalism

• Ruling Class: Comprised kings, nobles, knights, and higher clergy.
• Vassalage System:
  • Higher lords granted fiefs (land) to lower lords, creating a bond of loyalty and service.
  • A vassal would provide military service and support in exchange for land.

Basic Units of Feudalism

• Manors: Villages that served as the basic units of feudal society.
  • Manorial Lords: Held political, judicial, and military power over the peasants.

Social Hierarchy

• Peasants, Craftsmen, and Traders: The majority lacked political and economic power, leading to an exploitative society.
• Role of the Church: The Roman Catholic Church wielded significant authority over both the ruling class and common people, owning vast land and managing education and cultural affairs.

4.1.3 Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire, or East Roman Empire, persisted after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, with its capital at Constantinople (modern Istanbul).

Characteristics

• Official Language: Greek became the primary language of the Empire.
• Religious Structure: The Orthodox Church officially separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054, becoming the national church that supported the emperor.

Economic Foundations

• The economy was primarily based on agriculture, trade, and crafts.
• Architecture: Byzantine architecture featured domes and vibrant stained glass.

Social Stratification

• Society was divided into estates:
  • The emperor
  • Higher clergy
  • Nobility (landowners)
  • Peasants (farmers)

Historical Context

• Height of Power: The Empire reached its territorial and political zenith under Emperor Justinian (r. 527-565).
• Military Challenges: The Seljuk Turks began military incursions into Asia Minor around 1040 AD, leading to conflicts known as the Crusades, which commenced in the 1090s to reclaim Christian holy lands.

Notable Events

• Crusades: Seven major crusades took place, with the first beginning in 1096. Although they did not eradicate Muslim power in the Holy Lands, they helped protect Western Europe from invasions.
• Battle of Manzikert (1071): The Byzantine Empire suffered a critical defeat, losing much of Asia Minor to Seljuk Turkish rulers and later to the Ottoman Turks.