Medieval Feudalism and the Second Invasions

The Second Invasion of Europe

In Europe, the mid-9th and 10th centuries were marked by insecurity and division. The main groups involved were:

• Vikings: Originating from Scandinavia, they were fierce warriors who provoked great fear and panic.
• Magyars: Coming from the Asian steppes, they established themselves in Eastern Europe, where they formed the Kingdom of Hungary.
• Saracens: Muslim pirates who carried out many raids along the European Mediterranean coasts.

The Emergence of the Feudal System

This situation resulted in the emergence of feudalism, a social system with the following characteristics:

1. Every great noble achieved total mastery of their lands.
2. The primary nobles accepted the King through a pact called vassalage.
3. In turn, the nobles who were owners could have vassals, who were usually less important nobles.

Thus, a chain of personal bonds was formed with individuals tied to the King of the kingdom. This system frequently provoked frequent wars.

The Powers of the King and His Court

During feudalism, the King's power was very weak. The court was formed by a group of jurists, ecclesiastics, and warriors who helped the King govern. The exercise of royalty was reduced, and the monarch depended on their vassals to defend the kingdom.

Land Distribution and Rights

The land was divided into two parts:

• Reservation: The land was exploited directly by the Lord, and all crops belonged to him.
• Farms (Manses): Portions of land granted to peasants so they could cultivate for their own benefit. In exchange for these lands, the peasants had to pay income to the Lord (tissues, animals, etc.).

The Estates of Medieval Society

Medieval society was divided into three groups:

• Nobles: Knights and their families had the mission to defend the population.
• Clergy: Priests and monks had the mission to save people spiritually.
• Workers: Mostly peasants, artisans, and merchants who produced food and goods for society.

The Role of the Clergy

The Pope of Rome was the head of the Church and also ruled the Papal States situated in the center of the Italian Peninsula. Excommunication was a very serious punishment because if a King was excommunicated, his subjects were released from their oath of allegiance.

• Secular Clergy: Bishops who controlled extensive territories called dioceses.
• Regular Clergy: Made up of religious orders. Below the superiors who ran the monasteries were the monks, friars, and nuns (in female monasteries).

Life in the Monasteries

Cistercian monks lived in convents and monasteries. These buildings were dedicated especially to prayer and meditation.