The Dark Ages. That's one of the terms used
to describe nearly 1000 years of history-a history that is often hard to understand due to a lack of surviving documents, and often is clouded by myth and legends. Western Europe was under the rule of hundreds of feudal lords and kings. Castles dominated the landscape, and entire cities were built behind protective walls. The Roman Empire formally legalized Christianity during the 4th century, and soon afterward, the zeal and evangelism of practitioners spread this faith throughout Western Europe as far west as Ireland. The Church would be one of the most powerful medieval institutions,
controlling publication of books and the making of laws. Much of medieval Europe's art and architecture has a direct connection to the Christian church.
to describe nearly 1000 years of history-a history that is often hard to understand due to a lack of surviving documents, and often is clouded by myth and legends. Western Europe was under the rule of hundreds of feudal lords and kings. Castles dominated the landscape, and entire cities were built behind protective walls. The Roman Empire formally legalized Christianity during the 4th century, and soon afterward, the zeal and evangelism of practitioners spread this faith throughout Western Europe as far west as Ireland. The Church would be one of the most powerful medieval institutions,
controlling publication of books and the making of laws. Much of medieval Europe's art and architecture has a direct connection to the Christian church.
Kings and Queens, Nobles, Knight, Serfs and Peasants
From the ninth to the early eleventh centuries, invasions of the Magyars from
the east, Muslims from the south, and Vikings from the north struck western Europe.
This unrest ultimately spurred greater unity in England and Germany, but in
northern France centralized authority broke down and the region split into
smaller and smaller political units. By the ninth century, many knights and
nobles held estates (fiefs) granted by greater lords in return for military and
other service.
the east, Muslims from the south, and Vikings from the north struck western Europe.
This unrest ultimately spurred greater unity in England and Germany, but in
northern France centralized authority broke down and the region split into
smaller and smaller political units. By the ninth century, many knights and
nobles held estates (fiefs) granted by greater lords in return for military and
other service.
The kings and queen were the richest people through out the kingdom. In Medieval Europe, the queens and kings had the nicest outfits money could buy. Made with lincoln scarlet, kersey, russet, burnet, perse, damask, chalons, and
sandal, these outfits were comfortable, stylish, and were sure to make an
impression on the lower class in the kingdom. The upperclassmen were rich enough
to have people make their clothing for them. Tailors made clothing for the upper
class. Some would travel across many countries just to deliver an undergarment on time.
sandal, these outfits were comfortable, stylish, and were sure to make an
impression on the lower class in the kingdom. The upperclassmen were rich enough
to have people make their clothing for them. Tailors made clothing for the upper
class. Some would travel across many countries just to deliver an undergarment on time.
Peasants and Serfs pretty much do the same exact things. Peasants were the slaves and the sefrs were the farmers. Life changed as the season changed, because if the crops weren't good in a season, they would have a lowered chance of survival, and their lord would be very un-happy.
Spring- Plant crops
Summer- Tend Crops
Autumn- Harvest
Winter- Plant Winter crops
Peasants had a fairly unchanging diet consisting of porrige, bread, and berries. They also tended to the rest of the manor. If
they didn't do there responsibilities the manor wouldn't be in very good
shape at all.
Spring- Plant crops
Summer- Tend Crops
Autumn- Harvest
Winter- Plant Winter crops
Peasants had a fairly unchanging diet consisting of porrige, bread, and berries. They also tended to the rest of the manor. If
they didn't do there responsibilities the manor wouldn't be in very good
shape at all.
Middle Ages Feudalism was based on the exchange of
land for military service. King William the Conqueror used the concept of
feudalism to reward his Norman supporters with English lands for their help in
the conquest of England. Daily life of Nobles and Lords during the Middle ages
centred around their castles or Manors or fighting for the King during times of
war. The daily life of nobles can be described as follows:
land for military service. King William the Conqueror used the concept of
feudalism to reward his Norman supporters with English lands for their help in
the conquest of England. Daily life of Nobles and Lords during the Middle ages
centred around their castles or Manors or fighting for the King during times of
war. The daily life of nobles can be described as follows:
- The daily life of nobles started at
dawn - Mass would be heard and prayers would be
made - The first meal of the day was
breakfast - Lords and nobles would attend to business matters
in relation to his land. Reports would be heard regarding estate crops, harvests
and supplies. Finances - rents, taxes, customs and dues. The lord would also be
expected to exercise his judicial powers
over his vassals and peasants - Complaints and disputes regarding tenants would be
settled, permission to marry etc - The daily life of the nobles would include
political discussions and decisions - As the Medieval period progressed the culture
changed becoming more refined and elegant. Time was spent on the arts - poetry,
music etc - Weapon practise
- Mid morning prayers and a meal
- In the afternoon the daily life of nobles turned to
hunting, hawking or inspecting the estate - Evening prayer and then supper in the Hall of the
Castle or Manor House - After supper there might be some entertainment -
music, dancing, jugglers, acrobats, jesters, etc - The time for bed was dictated by the time the Lord or Noble retired
Bedtime prayers
Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV7CanyzhZg
The Mongol invasion of Europe in the 13th century
involved the destruction of East Slavic principalities, such as Kiev and Vladimir, the invasion of the Kingdom of Hungary (in the Battle of Mohi) and fragmentation of Poland (in
the Battle of Legnica). The operations were
masterminded by General Subutai and commanded by Batu
Khan and Kadan, both grandsons of Genghis Khan. As a result of the successful
invasions, many of the conquered territories would become part of the Golden
Horde empire.
involved the destruction of East Slavic principalities, such as Kiev and Vladimir, the invasion of the Kingdom of Hungary (in the Battle of Mohi) and fragmentation of Poland (in
the Battle of Legnica). The operations were
masterminded by General Subutai and commanded by Batu
Khan and Kadan, both grandsons of Genghis Khan. As a result of the successful
invasions, many of the conquered territories would become part of the Golden
Horde empire.