THE MIDDLE AGES
THE LIFE OF A LORD
THE SOCIAL CLASSES
THE FEUDAL SYSTEM
During the Middle Ages, the system used to control the people and the distribuition of the land was known as Feudalism or the Feudal System.
Charlemagne (c. 747-814 CE) introduced this system to the Middle Ages during the ninth century CE. The Feudal System allowed him to have better control over large areas of land such asGaul (Modern day France). Feudalism eventually expanded to the rest of Europe as Charlemagne continued to conquere more land.
The Feudal System helped the Middle Ages to become stronger and more organised. It also provided the people with a sense of protection. However, Feudalism placed many restrictions and rules in peoples lives, both public and personal.
The Monarchs (Kings, Queens, etc.) gave land to the Tenants-in-Chief, who in turn gave the Monarchs continuous loyalty and military support.
The Tenants-in-Chief were people such as the Lords and the Bishops. They were provided with fully equipped and armed knights to serve in the Monarch's army for 40 days each year. The Tenants-in-Chief providec the king with loyalty, advice and prayers.
The Sub-Tenants (knights, clergies, etc.) recieved land from the Tenants-in-Chief and in turn provided them with continuous military services and protection.
The Peasants were allocated spare land by the Sub-Tenants. The Peasants paid for the use of the land by working on the knight/lord's land as well as their own and paying taxes in the form of crops.
ROLES IN SOCIETY
The wealth of someone basically determined their social status and job opportunities. The nobles and wealthy practically controlled Medieval Europe. They lived on the money they earned from their land and the revelled in the influence that their land gave them.
The Lords were able to decide disputes, fight battles for their King, participate in political events and decisions and often took part in hunting expeditions and other sports.
Women had very little opportunities to be involved political disputes or decisions. The ways of the Catholic Church taught that they were inferior to men and that their main task was to be an obedient daughter, wife and/or mother. A noblewoman married someone who would add to their family's wealth, respect and title. The law treated women as properties of their husbands.
Children received education accordingly to what their future roles would be. A Lord's son would be educated in a monastery school or another nobleman's household. He would learn good manners, Latin grammar, astronomy, philosophy, mathematics and sports that trained him in preparation of future battles and wars. A Lord's daughter however would recieve either convent education or would be taught by a private tutor or other female relatives. She would learn how to organize the household. She would also be taught in music, singing and good manners. Depending on her family, she might also study mathematics.
