Middle Ages & Feudal Society: Key Historical Questions

Middle Ages & Carolingian Empire Questions

Theory, Science, Dogma, and Doctrine Link

The relationship between theory and science can be condensed here into two elements, whose merit is to establish the common ground of what has so far been a scientific theory. In this regard, it is important that the concept of a necessary way theory implies the concept of science or even a higher range, scientific research.

Understanding the Treaty of Verdun

Known as the Treaty of Verdun, the agreement was between Lothair I, Holy Roman Emperor, Louis the German, and Charles the Bald, sons of Louis the Pious and grandsons of Charlemagne. By this treaty, the three brothers ended years of hostilities that were locked due to their ambition to control the entire Carolingian Empire, which was allowed by the weakness of their father.

Modern Countries from Carolingian Empire Breakup

• France
• Italy
• Germany

Defining a Closed Subsistence Economy

One which has no international relations.

Technical Conditions in Medieval Culture

Force and the plow had to be used; animal power was used, and used badly. The water mill was known but there was not enough money to pay for it.

The Medieval Manor System Explained

The manor is an institution, typical of the Middle Ages and Modern Age in Spain, in a way similar to the fief of the Carolingian Empire. It emerged in the Christian kingdoms of northern Spain and spread through the Reconquista to the mainland, confirming and increasing (refeudalization) with the Spanish Crown later. Its survival over time (until the nineteenth century) and its economic base character of the social position of the nobility, especially after it lost its political power to the monarchy, put the manor at the axis articulating the social, economic, and political, as can be seen that they all were part of a feudal regime that characterized the Old Regime in Spain.

Feudalism & Medieval Society Questions

Treaty of Verdun (843): Meaning & Context

It ended years of hostility caused by ambition. It broke up the Carolingian Empire.

Was the Carolingian Empire Short-Lived?

Arguments relate to the life of Charlemagne.

Modern Nations from Treaty of Verdun (843)

• France
• Italy
• Germany

Ruralization and Decline of Urban Life

Yes. Due to the construction and collapse of empires and invasions.

Understanding Population Growth Rate Decline

The decline in the population either through birth, death, or migration.

Urban Settlement: West, East, and Islam Compared

• West: Overwhelming rurality.
• Islam: Large cities (Constantinople, Baghdad, and Cordoba).

Western Manorial System Administration

The estates are under the king.

Formation Mechanisms of a Manor

Manors formed in many ways. Carolingian officials, dukes, and earls appropriated for private use the public power entrusted to them by the king.

The king gives a county; the lord gives them a part of their land so that the subjects work.

Genesis of Manor-Feudal System Provisions

Fragmentation of political power (the king); lordship (territorial economic base unit of the feudal system).

Dependency Categories in Medieval Manors

• One category would be between the lord and vassal, in which the lord protects the vassal and gives justice.
• Another would be between vassal and lord, in which the vassal must protect the lord.

Defining Feudalism

It is the bond between two people, usually called a vassal to another, in a way that was mutually beneficial.

Historical Origin of the Feudal System

Formed by the merger over many centuries of two practices: personal dependence and shared rights in land.

Source of Feudal Wealth and Power

Farming.

Homage and Feudal Contract Implications

Mutual trust was between the vassal and lord.