Medieval Europe

Europe : Middle Ages : 500-1500 CE

• Early Europe: 500-1000 CE
• High Europe :1000-1300 CE
• Late Europe: 1300-1500 CE

EARLY EUROPE HIGHLIGHTS: Political decentralization and backwardness. Also known as the DARK AGES. There were also no advancements in technology and science.
HIGH EUROPE HIGHLIGHTS : Many crises and many advances. There was THE BLACK DEATH and social unrest.

Feudalism : Lord owns land and give lieges land to make crops in. Lieges (loyal followers) portions of their lands to vassals . Vassals were loyal to the lord and liege and got protection as well. Then the vassals give portions of their land to serfs who work the land.

KNIGHTS:

• Cavalry
• Recruited by nobles
  
• Equipment was expensive so only the rich could be knights.
• The lived by a chivalry code : A virtuous christian warrior who served the lord and country. They treated everything with justice; gentlemen.

CHRISTIAN FAITH BINDS EUROPE

• The pope becomes a powerful force.
• Great Schism = Break up of church
• One becomes the West church: Latin church ; catholic church that shapes medieval society/
• Another becomes the east Orthodox Church.
• Preserved literature/manuscripts
  
• Linked people by faith.
• ORDER OF POWER IN THE CHURCH :1) Pope ; 2) Cardinals; 3) Archbishops; 4) Bishops; 5) Priests; 6) Monks/Nuns; 7) Deacons

PAPAL POWER

• The pope has the power to determine heresy (bad against the church) , excommunicate , and call for a crusade .
• Goal = To unite Europe to a single christian community led by a pope.
• Church owns a HUGE amount of land.