Feudalism and the Frankish Empire

A relationship between a lord and a vassal, where the vassal pledges loyalty and service in exchange for land or other rewards.

A grant of land given to a vassal by a lord, held in exchange for loyalty and service. It was technically considered a loan from the lord and could be reclaimed.

The division of the Frankish kingdom in 843 CE among Charlemagne's grandsons. The kingdom was divided into the West Frankish Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and East Frankish Kingdom.

The period of instability and fragmentation in the Frankish kingdom due to various factors, including conflicts between dukes and counts, invasions by Vikings, Magyars, and Muslims, and the weakness of central authority.

Seafaring raiders from Scandinavia, known for their attacks and settlements throughout Europe, including attacks on the Frankish kingdom.

A large estate or manor in medieval times, often including land, buildings, and resources.

The practice of producing everything needed within a community or estate, so they are independent of others.

The relationships and interactions between lords, peasants, and other members of a medieval manor.

The economic activities that took place on a medieval manor, such as farming, crafts, and livestock production.

The importance of sustainability in medieval society, focusing on using resources wisely and conserving the environment.

A system where a person pledges loyalty to a lord in exchange for protection, forming a hierarchical structure within society.

Fights and battles were common in the early Middle Ages, often causing unrest and pain for ordinary people.

Kingship evolved from temporary war leaders to more permanent rulers. Despite this, the roles and power of kings remained complex and often contested.

Medieval armies, primarily consisting of knights, used various techniques to wage war. They employed specific methods during sieges to conquer fortified locations.

Medieval kings faced difficulties governing their realms, especially faraway territories where local leaders held great influence.

Ordinary people often gave up their freedom in exchange for protection from powerful lords. This highlights the precarious nature of their lives in the early Middle Ages.

Kings in the Middle Ages often struggled to establish central control and collect taxes due to the power of local leaders.

Disputes over land and power were frequent in the Middle Ages, often leading to conflict between lords and kings.

A medieval agricultural system where peasants were bound to the land and worked for a lord in exchange for protection and a share of the harvest.

A type of peasant who was tied to the land and couldn't leave without the lord's permission. They worked the land for the lord in exchange for protection and a share of the harvest.

The portion of land on a manor belonging to the lord, often including structures like a castle or a big house.

The portion of land on a manor belonging to the peasants, where they lived and farmed.

The decline of the Western Roman Empire led to widespread instability and a need for protection, which contributed to the rise of the Manorial System.

Peasants who were not bound to the manor and had more freedom to move around and choose their work.

The lord's portion and the peasant's portion. This division ensured a system of protection for the peasants and income for the lord.

The practice of a horige giving up land ownership in exchange for protection and a share of the harvest, significantly increasing the landowner's income.