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# A Medieval Manor ## A. Medieval Village Life * **Church:** Village churches lacked benches; villagers sat on the floor or brought stools. * **Serf's Home:** Serfs possessed minimal furniture. Tables were constructed from boards spanning benches. Most peasants slept on straw mattresses. ##...

# A Medieval Manor ## A. Medieval Village Life * **Church:** Village churches lacked benches; villagers sat on the floor or brought stools. * **Serf's Home:** Serfs possessed minimal furniture. Tables were constructed from boards spanning benches. Most peasants slept on straw mattresses. ## B. Castle * Castles were built in diverse forms, and typically designed to suit the landscape. ## C. Improvements in Farming * Manors commonly produced sufficient food only for the peasants and the lord's household, * However, over time, European innovation lead to improvements in crop production, and crop yield. * A major advancement was the development of a heavy iron bladed plow, that could cut deeper into the dense clay soil. * Heavier plows enabled farmers to spend less time in fields. ## D. Peasant Life * During leisure, peasants centered their living around the church and the village green. * Peasants broke from work and attended church or religious gatherings on sundays and important religious holidays. * Feast days were celebrated with songs and dance on the green. * Men participated in sports such as wrestling and archery. * Women raised children and prepared meals. Peasant meals consisted of dark, heavy bread, vegetables, milk, nuts, fruits, eggs, and meat washed down with ale. ## E. The Growth of Towns and Cities * **Trade Decline:** When the Roman Empire collapsed, trade declined sharply throughout Europe. Roads and bridges fell into disrepair and lawlessness. * **Feudalism and Safety:** By 1100, feudalism had emerged, making Europe safer. Nobles repaired roads, arrested bandits, and enforced the law. * **Technological Advancements:** New technology enabled people to food production and other goods. Europe's population began to increase for the first time in centuries after the fall of Rome. * **Increased Trade and Wealthy Cities:** Europe's trade increased, causing towns to grow. Italian cities, such as Venice, Pisa, and Genoa, built large trading fleets, becoming major Mediterranean trade centers. By 1200, these Italian cities controlled the profitable Mediterranean trade routes with the Byzantine Empire. ## F. The Horse Collar * **Horse Power:** The horse collar was a significant invention that allowed horses to pull plows faster than oxen. * **Increased Food Production:** This innovation made it possible for peasants to produce more food. ## G. Other Improvements * **Water and Wind Power:** Waterpower and windmills were utilized for grinding grain, pumping water, and sawing wood. * **Crop Rotation:** Crop rotation, using three fields instead of two, improved soil fertility. This increased food production