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Big Question: How did Medieval Europe develop and enforce a strict social hierarchy?
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Viking raid on Lindisfarne (793 CE)
Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, European communities faced increasing violence at the hands of raiders, such as Vikings. This period of turmoil and insecurity prompted the need for a system that could ensure safety and stability for the people.
Feudalism provided not only protection from raiders, but also a framework for the provision of basic needs.
<aside> 📕 Hierarchy: a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority
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Feudalism set up a strict class structure based on the control of the land and military power.
Under the feudal system, Kings would grant nobles land (referred to as fiefs) in return for their allegiance to the King. In turn, these nobles, also known as vassals, would govern the land on behalf of the King. The nobles would provide military service or pay taxes to the King as a form of compensation for the land they received. It is important to note that these nobles, or lords, had their own armies of knights - skilled warriors on horseback - who would dutifully serve them whenever they were called upon.
The peasants, who made up the majority of the population, worked the land in exchange for protection from their lords. They were given small plots of land to cultivate and were expected to provide a portion of their crops or goods as rent.
During the medieval period, the nobles played a significant role in society. They constructed magnificent castles as their residences, showcasing their wealth and power. These fortified structures not only provided luxurious accommodations but also served as a defense mechanism against potential threats.
To further enhance their security, the nobles surrounded themselves with a retinue of armed knights who were loyal to them. This formidable force acted as a deterrent against any potential invasions or attacks. However, this accumulation of power and influence among the nobility often resulted in power struggles and conflicts.
Frequent civil wars erupted as the nobles sought to expand their territories and increase their authority. These internal conflicts were characterized by intense rivalries and clashes between noble factions vying for more land and power. The ambition and thirst for dominance among the nobles often led to a destabilization of the kingdom and challenged the authority of the reigning monarch.
In recognition of their loyalty and contributions, the nobles were bestowed with various titles by the King. These titles served as a symbol of their status and importance within the feudal hierarchy. The higher the title, the more influential and powerful the noble was considered to be. Additionally, the titles were also influenced by the amount of land the nobles controlled, further solidifying their position in society.
Thus, the nobles played a crucial role in medieval society, not only as builders of grand castles and leaders of armed knights but also as key players in the political landscape, often rivaling the King in terms of power and influence.
<aside> 📕 Primogeniture: the right of succession belonging to the firstborn; titles and land passed on to firstborn son
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A Manor were self-sufficient communities that consisted of the lord’s house and the peasants living in the surrounding territory outside of the manor walls.
The manors would vary in size based on the lord’s wealth.
Each manor would produce its own food, clothing, and shelter.