1. Kick-starter
2. Origins, chronology and characteristics of feudalism in Europe
3. Feudal Monarchy
4. Feudal Economy
5. Feudal society
6. Romanesque art
7. Reinforcement worksheets
8. Interactive activities

1. KICK-STARTER

A NOT VERY DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

WHAT MAKES YOU SAY THAT?

2. ORIGINS, CRONOLOGY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF FEUDALISM

a. Cronology: 9th-15th century.

b. Origins

The Carolingian Empire and its disintegration. Th
The 2nd invasions
Some institutions already present among the germanic people.

b. Characteristics. Power to the lords!

c. Dependent relationships

an example

Working with primary sources

"Through the whole remaining part of the day those who had been previously enfeoffed by the most pious count Charles, did homage to the count, taking up now again their fiefs and offices and whatever they had before rightfully and legitimately obtained. On Thursday the seventh of April, homages were again made to the count being completed in the following order of faith and security.

First they did their homage thus, the count asked if he was willing to become completely his man, and the other replied, "I am willing"; and with clasped hands, surrounded by the hands of the count, they were bound together by a kiss. Secondly, he who had done homage gave his fealty to the representative of the count in these words, "I promise on my faith that I will in future be faithful to count William, and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit." Thirdly, he took his oath to this upon the relics of the saints. Afterward, with a little rod which the count held in his hand, he gave investitures to all who by this agreement had given their security and homage and accompanying oath."

12th century Flanders: 1127

Fealty to the Count of Flanders, from de Bruges: Chronicle of the Death of Charles the Good

March 5, 1177

"I, Ramon de Tous, son of the woman Ermessendis, swear to you Pere, Bishop of Vic, that from this hour in the future I will be faithful to you with regard to your life, and the members of your body, in good faith and without deception. And I will be faithful to you concerning that castle of Tous and the territory that belongs to it within its entire boundaries. And neither that castle nor its territory will I seize from you, not I, nor any man or men, woman or women, acting by my advice or instigation. And I will help you to hold, have and defend against all men and women who might wish to seize or deprive you of all these above mentioned things. And I will give you posession of that castle and that fortress which is or will be inside it as many times as you demand them of me, either you yourself or by your representative or representatives. And all that has been written above I will hold and observe faithfully and without deception, by God and these holy [Gospels or relics].
Done the third nones of March, in the fortieth year of the reign of Louis the Younger. Signed Ramon de Tous, who performs this oath, signs and asks others to sign. Signed Ramon de Timor. Signed Guerau de Jorba. I, Bernat, Bishop of Barcelona, sign. Thomas confirms this who wrote this on the day and in the year as above."

12th century Spain: 1177 Fealty from Ramon de Tous to Pere, Bishop of Vic, from the Arxiu Capitular of Vic, calaix 6, no. 1757

"I, Thiebault, count palatine of Troyes, make known to those present and to come that I have given in fee to Jocelyn d'Avalon and his heirs the manor which is called Gillencourt, which is of the castellanerie of La Ferte sur Aube; and whatever the same Jocelyn shall be able to acquire in the same manor I have granted to him and his heirs in augmentation of that fief I have granted, moreover, to him that in no free manor of mine will I retain men who are of this gift. The same Jocelyn, moreover, on account of this has become my liege man, saving however, his allegiance to Gerard d'Arcy, and to the lord duke of Burgundy, and to Peter, count of Auxerre. Done at Chouaude, by my own witness, in the year of the Incarnation of our Lord 1200 in the month of January. Given by the hand of Walter, my chancellor; note of Milo."

12th-13th century France: 1200

Acceptance from Theobald, Count of Champagne, of Jocelyn d'Avalon, from Quantin: Recueil de Pieces du XIII siecle, No. 2

3. FEUDAL MONARCHY. A KING, JUST THE FIRST AMONG EQUALS

Roland pledges his fealty to Charlemagne. Roland (right) receives the sword, Durandal, from the hands of Charlemagne (left). From a manuscript of a chanson de geste, c. 14th Century.

THE CURIA REGIS