Medieval Europe: Society, Power, and Culture

The Carolingian Empire and Charlemagne's Reign

At the end of the 8th century, Charlemagne, King of the Franks, unified a large part of Western Europe. He elaborated laws, organized into chapters. His empire was divided into territories called counties, and to defend the borders, he appointed Marquis who commanded powerful armies. At his death, the empire was dismembered by the Treaty of Verdun.

Invasions of the 9th and 10th Centuries

During the 9th and 10th centuries, Europe experienced invasions by the Normans, Hungarians, and Muslims.

Feudalism: Society and Vassalage

Feudalism was the socio-economic and political system that was implemented during the Middle Ages in Europe. The relations between the king and the feudal lords were known as vassalage, established through the ceremony of homage. The noble knelt and swore allegiance to the king, who in turn promised economic and military advice and assistance.

Roles of the King

The king held several key responsibilities:

• Directing military campaigns
• Collecting taxes
• Acting as supreme judge

The nobility, clergy, jurists, and others formed the Court accompanying the king. The king's closest advisors formed the inner Curia.

The Noble Class and Knighthood

Nobles were warriors by trade. Their training began early:

• At six years old, boys were sent to another nobleman's castle where they served as pages.
• Later, they became squires.
• At 18, they were often knighted, becoming knights.

The Manorial System and Peasant Life

The best lands were directly exploited by the feudal lord. This was known as the manorial reserve. The rest of the land was divided into lots and delivered to farmers. These were called manses.

Peasant Obligations

In exchange for the land, peasants had to pay the lord a rent, which could include:

• A portion of the harvest.
• Certain fruits and animals.
• Days of compulsory labor (corvée).

There were two main types of farmers: free peasants and serfs, who were not free. They practiced crop rotation.

The Church's Influence in the Middle Ages

The Church intervened to limit violence, prohibiting attacks or combats against travelers, the weak, and holy sites. It stipulated the Peace of God and the Truce of God.

Types of Clergy and Monastic Life

There were two main types of clergy:

• Secular clergy (priests, bishops)
• Regular clergy (monks, nuns), whose highest authorities in monasteries were abbots.

Military campaigns in defense of holy lands were known as the Crusades.Monks and nuns lived in monasteries. Their main activity was prayer. They took three vows: poverty, chastity, and obedience. They were dressed in a habit and subjected to a rule. The most important monastic order was the Benedictine Order.

Romanesque Art and Architecture

Romanesque architecture initially used a basilica plan, but later adopted the Latin cross plan. It prominently featured the round arch and the barrel vault.

Romanesque Painting

Romanesque painting was found in various forms:

• On walls (frescoes)
• On wood (panel paintings or altarpieces)
• In books (illuminated manuscripts or miniatures)