· Web viewFor, as the most of you have heard, the Turks and Arabs have attacked them and have conquered the territory of Romania [the Greek empire] as far west as the shore of the

Document 1: The Merovingians: 5th - 8th century AD

The Franks provide the dynasty which can be seen as the first royal house of France. From them, in origin one of the Germanic tribes, the word France derives. The dynasty itself is called Merovingian, from Merovech - a leader of the tribe in the mid-5th century of whom nothing is known but his name.

The fortunes of the Franks begin with his grandson, Clovis. When Clovis inherits the crown, in about 481, he is only fifteen. The tribe's capital is then at Tournai, in what is now southern Belgium.

The reign of Clovis is a turning point in European history on two counts: his establishment of the first great barbarian kingdom north of the Alps; and his adoption of Roman Catholic Christianity, when the other barbarian rulers in Gaul are at this time all Arians (see the Spread of Arianism).

Clovis extends his power from the Somme down to the Loire by using an unscrupulous blend of warfare, intrigue and murder to assert his authority over other Frankish tribes in the region. He then successfully demands tribute from the Burgundians in the southeast and, more significantly, drives the Visigoths from the southwest. By 507 the whole of France, except a narrow strip along the Mediterranean, is his acknowledged realm.

In achieving this territorial success, Clovis has been much helped by his acceptance of the Roman version of Christianity. Many Christians in Gaul, loyal to Rome, accept him as a liberator from the Arian Visigoths.

His conversion follows a classic Christian pattern, involving a victory in battle (as with Constantine) and an already pious wife (as with Ethelbert of Kent). Clovis marries a Burgundian princess, Clotilda, who unlike the rest of her people is a Catholic. Her efforts to convert her powerful pagan husband bear fruit once he believes that Jesus has helped him defeat a rival Germanic tribe, the Alemannia, who have recently moved west across the Rhine into Alsace.

Clovis's victory over the Alamanni, taking place at some time between 495 and 506, is followed by a scene of mass baptism. A faith good enough for the king must be good for the army too. At Reims the bishop baptizes Clovis and some 3000 of his soldiers.

Clovis makes his capital in Paris, where he commissions the writing of the ancient pre-Christian code of law of the Salian Franks. His Frankish kingdom will lapse for a while into chaos; Paris will not immediately retain its central status; and only parts of the Salic Law will later be followed. But the kingdom of Clovis is unmistakably a new departure of great significance for northern Europe and for France.

Austrasia, Neustria and Burgundy: 6th - 7th century AD

After the death of Clovis, in 511, his territories are divided between his four sons. In the long term this form of equal inheritance will weaken the Merovingian realm, but for the moment expansion continues. The rich and important territory of Burgundy, formerly a tribute payer, is annexed as part of the Frankish kingdom in 534.

Gradually three separate kingdoms emerge within the wider Frankish realm. The original tribal territory, approximating to modern Belgium and northeast France, becomes known as Austrasia. The lands acquired by Clovis in central France are called Neustria (neu meaning 'new'). And Burgundy retains its own identity.

For more than two centuries after the death of Clovis these kingdoms are at least nominally ruled by his descendants, in varying combinations (Neustria and Burgundy often go together). Occasionally rulers are strong enough to unite the whole realm under central control - Clotaire II and his son Dagobert I are the most notable examples, from 613 to 639.

After the death of Dagobert the Frankish kings gradually lose power to their own lieutenants, in a pattern similar to what is happening at this same time in Japan (the process leading there to rule by shoguns). The Frankish equivalent of the shogun is the mayor of the palace.

Source: Gascoigne, Bamber. “History of The Merovingians” HistoryWorld. From 2001, ongoing. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?groupid=1764&HistoryID=ab50

Document 2: Mayors of the palace: 7th - 8th century

In the Roman empire large households were run by an official known as major domus('mayor of the house'), from whom we derive our major-domo. The Frankish kings adapt this system, calling their chief administrative officer major palatii, the mayor of the palace. 

Administrators of this kind always tend to enlarge their own fief. The mayors of the palace gradually add to their domestic duties the

Document 2: Mayors of the palace: 7th - 8th century

In the Roman empire large households were run by an official known as major domus('mayor of the house'), from whom we derive our major-domo. The Frankish kings adapt this system, calling their chief administrative officer major palatii, the mayor of the palace. 

Administrators of this kind always tend to enlarge their own fief. The mayors of the palace gradually add to their domestic duties the

Document 3: Charles Martel: 727-741

After asserting his rule over the traditional territories of the Frankish realm, Charles wages long campaigns against the pagan Germanic tribes who constantly raid his northern and eastern borders - Frisians, Saxons and Bavarians. (He also lends strong support to the missionary activities of St Boniface, hoping that conversion to Christianity will tame the heathens). Barbarians on these frontiers have been a constant threat for centuries to settled Gaul. But in recent decades there has also been a new and powerful group of intruders pressing in from the south - the Arabs in Spain. 

They have advanced rapidly northwards through Spain in the few years since their arrival in 711. They are soon beyond the Pyrenees.  Narbonne is taken in 720. An extended raid in 725 brings the Arabs briefly into Burgundy. There is then a lull until 732, when a Muslim army takes Bordeaux, destroys a church near Poitiers and rides on towards Tours. Here the Arabs are confronted by an army of Franks led by Charles Martel. 

It is not known precisely where the battle (known either as Poitiers or Tours) takes place, but it is won by the Franks. It marks the end, in the west, of the apparently inexorable advance of the Arabs. A few years later they withdraw to Spain and never again threaten Gaul. It is a significant turning point. Even so, an uprising by the Berbersof mercenaries in Spain in 741 causes the eventual Arab retreat from Gaul, rather than this one defeat on the battlefield.  The turning back of the Muslims is what assures Charles Martel his place in popular history. But his family's supplanting of the Merovingian rulers is an achievement of equal significance. 

Charles himself maintains the fiction of Merovingian power. At first his son Pepin III (also known as Pepin the Short) does the same. He appoints a new puppet king, Childeric III, in 743. But in 751 he decides to replace him on the throne himself. Before doing so he secures the approval of the pope. Such direct involvement in the dynastic politics of Europe is a significant departure for the papacy.  Source: Gascoigne, Bamber. “History of Charles Martel” HistoryWorld. From 2001, ongoing.

http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?groupid=1764&HistoryID=ab50

Document 4: Charlemagne

Synopsis: Charlemagne, also known as Charles I and Charles the Great, was born around 742 A.D. Crowned King of the Franks in 768, Charlemagne expanded the Frankish kingdom. The Franks were a group of tribes in Northern Europe. Eventually, he established the Carolingian Empire. The Carolingian Empire represents the earliest stages of what would become France and Germany. He was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 800. Charlemagne's empire united Western Europe for the first time since the fall of the Western Roman Empire 300 years before. His empire sparked a period of increased writing, art and the rule of law.

Document 4: Charlemagne

Synopsis: Charlemagne, also known as Charles I and Charles the Great, was born around 742 A.D. Crowned King of the Franks in 768, Charlemagne expanded the Frankish kingdom. The Franks were a group of tribes in Northern Europe. Eventually, he established the Carolingian Empire. The Carolingian Empire represents the earliest stages of what would become France and Germany. He was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 800. Charlemagne's empire united Western Europe for the first time since the fall of the Western Roman Empire 300 years before. His empire sparked a period of increased writing, art and the rule of law.

Document 5: Code of Chivalry

Europe in the Middle Ages was a dangerous place. Invasions from Muslims, Mongols, and other tribal groups were common. War between lords was common. The value of protection and warriors created a social code called Chivalry. Knights fought for lords and ladies and lived by a gentleman-warrior code of Chivalry. The painting below depicts the Medeival knights.

Document 5: Code of Chivalry

Europe in the Middle Ages was a dangerous place. Invasions from Muslims, Mongols, and other tribal groups were common. War between lords was common. The value of protection and warriors created a social code called Chivalry. Knights fought for lords and ladies and lived by a gentleman-warrior code of Chivalry. The painting below depicts the Medeival knights.

Document 6: Excerpt Easter Regulations.

From the holy day of the Resurrections of Christ until New Sunday, the faithful are to frequent the holy Churches without ceasing during the entire week, with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Rejoicing in Christ and celebrating, listening to the reading of Holy Scripture and delighting in the Holy Mysteries; for thus shall we arise and be exalted together with Christ.

In no wise, then ought horse-races or public spectacles to be performed during the aforesaid days.

Source: Easter Regulations, from a church canon passed in AD 692

Document 7: “Dictatus Papae”

That the Roman pontiff alone can with right be called universal. That he alone can depose or reinstate bishops…That for him alone is it I lawful, according to the needs of the time, to make new laws, top assemble together new congregations, to make an abbey of a canonary….That of the pope alone at princes shall kiss the feet…That it may be permitted o him to dispose the emperors.

Source:”Dictatus Papae”, Dictates of the Pope, 1075

Document 8: Excerpt from: A church council calls for the observance of the Truce of God, 1083.

…That from the first day of the Advent of our Lord through Epiphany…and throughout the year on every Sunday, Friday, Saturday, and on the first days of the four seasons…this decree of peace shall be observed…so that no one may commit murder, arson, robbery, or assault, no one may injure another with a sword, club, or any kind of weapon…On every day set aside, or to be set aside, for fasts or feasts, arms may be carried, but on this condition, that no jury shall be done in any way

Document 8: Excerpt from: A church council calls for the observance of the Truce of God, 1083.

…That from the first day of the Advent of our Lord through Epiphany…and throughout the year on every Sunday, Friday, Saturday, and on the first days of the four seasons…this decree of peace shall be observed…so that no one may commit murder, arson, robbery, or assault, no one may injure another with a sword, club, or any kind of weapon…On every day set aside, or to be set aside, for fasts or feasts, arms may be carried, but on this condition, that no jury shall be done in any way

Document 9: excerpt: Feudalism. Feudalism was a political, economic, and social system in which nobles were granted the use of land that legally belonged to the king. In return, the nobles agreed to give their loyalty and military services to the king. The peasants or serfs worked the land for the knights and nobles and in return they received protection and a portion of the harvest to feed their families. The image below shows the structure of feudal society – a social, political, and economic hierarchy.

Source: World History Patterns of Interaction.

Document 10: Excerpt from the Homage Oath taken by John Toul.

I, John of Toul, make known that I am the liege man of the (Count and countess of Champagne)….I will aid the count of Champagne in my own person, and will send to the count and countess of Champagne the knights whose service I owe to them for the fief which I hold of them…

Source: Toul, John. Homage oath. Retrieved from https://d39smchmfovhlz.cloudfront.net/l3eii3jPGyWOzicpBCgNGFkvPu7F1P3zkZG0gZJW9LRBU88Q.pdf

Document 11: Excerpt from the Monastic Vows of Brother Gerald.

I hereby renounce my parents, my brothers and relatives, my friends, my possessions…and the vain and empty glory and pleasure of this world. I also renouncemy own will, for the will of God. I accept all the hardships of the monastic life, and take the vows of purity, chastity, and poverty, in the hope of heaven; and I promise to remain a monk in this monastery all the days of my life.

Noonan, T. (1999). Document-based assessment activities for global history classes. Walch:Portland, Maine.

Document 12: Excerpt from the manorial system.

The manor was the economic side of feudalism. The manor was a largely self-sufficient system in which the lord’s land (granted by the king) was farmed by his serfs (essentially slaves bound to the land). The manor included not just farmers, but also artisans who provided for the needs of the manor, a chapel, forest for hunting, and pastureland for farm animals. The two images below show the physical layout of the manor system. For the majority of Europeans, life was hard. Serfs, or peasants obligated to work the lord’s land, had no freedoms. In return for laboring 6 days out of the week, they were granted only one day a week to farm to feed themselves and their families. They also had to pay high rents to the lord’s to use his land. There was no alternative, since peasants needed the lord’s protection from raiding invaders.

Source: World History Patterns of Interaction, and http://www.uncp.edu/home/rwb/lecture_mid_civ.htm Source: Piers Plowman, in World History Patterns of Interaction Literature Section.

Document 13: The role of the Church.

The role of the Church was very large in Medieval Europe. More than any other institution, it unified Europeans and gave every person a sense of how the world worked. Since political leaders only had local power, the Church was the most powerful institution. This secondary source describes the multiple roles the Church played in the Middle Ages.

In a time of great political chaos, the Roman Catholic Church was the single, largest unifying structure in medieval Europe. It touched everyone's life, no matter what their rank or class or where they lived. With the exception of a small number of Jews, everyone in Europe was a Christian during the Middle Ages from the richest king down to the lowest serf. From the moment of its baptism a few days after birth, a child entered into a life of service to God and God's Church. As a child grew, it would be taught basic prayers, would go to church every week barring illness, and would learn of its responsibilities to the Church. Every person was required to live by the Church's laws and to pay heavy taxes to support the Church. In return for this, they were shown the way to everlasting life and happiness after lives that were often short and hard. In addition to collecting taxes, the Church also accepted gifts of all kinds from individuals who wanted special favors or wanted to be certain of a place in heaven. These gifts included land, flocks, crops, and even serfs. This allowed the Church to become very powerful, and it often used this power to influence kings to do as it wanted

Source: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/history/middleages/church.html

Document 14: Piers Plowman

For the majority of Europeans, life was hard. Serfs, or peasants obligated to work the lord’s land, had no freedoms. Serfs worked for six days of the week and received one day to farm and collect food for their own families, and were also expected to pay rent to their lords to use their land. In return for their labor, the serfs could depend on their lord for housing, food, and protection from raiding invaders. Piers Plowman is an English poem written by a London priest,

Document 14: Piers Plowman

For the majority of Europeans, life was hard. Serfs, or peasants obligated to work the lord’s land, had no freedoms. Serfs worked for six days of the week and received one day to farm and collect food for their own families, and were also expected to pay rent to their lords to use their land. In return for their labor, the serfs could depend on their lord for housing, food, and protection from raiding invaders. Piers Plowman is an English poem written by a London priest,

The Peasant’s Cares The most needy are our neighbors, if we notice right well, As prisoners in pits and poor folk in cottages,Charged with their children, and chief lord’s rent,What by spinning they save, they spend it in house-hire,Both in milk and in meal to make a mess of porridge.To cheer up their children who chafe for their food,And they themselves suffer surely much hungerAnd woe in the winter, with waking at nightsAnd rising to rock an oft restless cradle,Both to card and to comb, to clout and to wash,To rub and to reel yarn, rushes to peel,So ‘tis pity to proclaim or in poetry to showThe woe of these women who would in such cottages;And of many other men who much woe sufferCrippled with hunger and with thirst, they keep up appearancesAnd are abashed for to beg, and will not be blazonedWhat they need from their neighbours, at noon at and at evensongThis I know full well, for the world has taught meHow churls are afflicted who have many children,And have no coin but their craft to clothe and to keep them

Document 15: The Peasants World.

There were two kinds of peasants on a manor: serfs and freeman. Serfs were legally tied to the land. They could not leave it without the noble’s permission. When a manor changed owners, they went along with the property. On the other hand, they could not be evicted. In contrast, freeman were able to move whenever they wished. But they could be through off the estate without warning.

Whether freeman or serf, a peasant’s life was very hard. Peasants worked from sunrise to sunset, and generally died at about the age of thirty. In addition to farming the noble’s lands, they had to give the noble a share of whatever they grew on their own land. They had to pay to use noble’s grain mill, and baking oven in order to make bread. They had to pay for the use of the noble’s wine press. Then there were special taxes, too. At any time, peasants might be called to clean the castle moat, or bring in firewood, or help fix the fortifications, or cut timber.

A peasant’s house was a small, one-room dwelling with a thatched roof and hard dirt floor. A hole in the roof let out the smoke from the fire. Near the fire was an enormous bed where all the family slept. Food was simple, It consisted mostly of oatmeal, black bread, and such vegetables as onions and cabbages in season. Sometimes peasants raised a few hens or pigs to add to their diet.

The peasant’s world was limited. They could neither read nor write. They rarely met anyone they had not known from birth. They lived and died without stepping outside the bounds of their manor. They feared the unknown dangers of the nearby forests, and the robbers that waited to jump on travelers. Besides, there was really no place for a peasant to go.

Yet, life had its brighter moments. Sunday was a day of rest. There were feasts at Christmastime, and singing and dancing on the numerous saints’ days. Sports such as wrestling, archery, and soccer were popular. Most important of all were the teachings of the Catholic Church. They proved comfort for the peasants, and promised a life in heaven after death.

Source: Lender, B. Selzer, E & Berk, B. (1983). A World History: The Human Panormama, p, 159-160(Chicago Science Research Associates)

Document 16: Code of Chivalry

Europe in the Middle Ages was a dangerous place. Invasions from Muslims, Mongols, and other tribal groups were common. War between lords was common. The value of protection and warriors created a social code called Chivalry. Knights fought for lords and ladies and lived by a gentleman-warrior code of chivalry.

Source: http://www.the-dogs-of-war.com/crusades1.jpg

Document 16: Code of Chivalry

Europe in the Middle Ages was a dangerous place. Invasions from Muslims, Mongols, and other tribal groups were common. War between lords was common. The value of protection and warriors created a social code called Chivalry. Knights fought for lords and ladies and lived by a gentleman-warrior code of chivalry.

Source: http://www.the-dogs-of-war.com/crusades1.jpg

Document 20: Excerpt Pope Urban II issued a call for a holy crusade

"Although, O sons of God, you have promised more firmly than ever to keep the peace among yourselves and to preserve the rights of the church, there remains still an important work for you to do. Freshly quickened by the divine correction, you must apply the strength of your righteousness to another matter which concerns you as well as God. For your brethren who live in the east are in urgent need of your help, and you must hasten to give them the aid which has often been promised them. For, as the most of you have heard, the Turks and Arabs have attacked them and have conquered the territory of

Document 17: Images of Gothic Church showing the power of the Catholic Church.

Noonan, T. (1999). Document-based assessment activities for global history classes. Walch:Portland, Maine.

Document 18: Excerpt an account of the Franks.

As Europeans became more connected to the Silk Roads, cultural diffusion occurred, but conflict occurred, also. Muslims and Christians clashed over religion and control of trade routes. The Crusades, a series of religious wars for control over Jerusalem, were fought for hundreds of years. This account is from Usamah-inb-Munqidh, an Arab warrior in the time of the Crusades. He describes Franks (the French).

Their lack of sense-Mysterious are the works of the Creator, the author of all things! When one comes to recount the case of the Franks, he cannot but glorify Allah (exalted he is!) and sanctify him, for he sees them as animals possessing the virtues of courage and fighting, but nothing else; just as animals have only the virtues of strength and carrying loads.

Sources: Usamah-inb-Munqidh,translated by Philip K. Hitti, Princeton University Press.

Document 19: Excerpt Castle Life.

Even in summer, dampness clung to the stone rooms, and the lord and his retinue spent as much time as possible outdoors. At dawn the watchman atop the donjon blew a blast on his bugle to awaken the castle. After a scanty breakfast of bread and wine or beer, the nobles attended mass in the castle chapel. Source: The International History Project (2001). http://history-world.org/castle_life.htm

Document 20: Excerpt Pope Urban II issued a call for a holy crusade

"Although, O sons of God, you have promised more firmly than ever to keep the peace among yourselves and to preserve the rights of the church, there remains still an important work for you to do. Freshly quickened by the divine correction, you must apply the strength of your righteousness to another matter which concerns you as well as God. For your brethren who live in the east are in urgent need of your help, and you must hasten to give them the aid which has often been promised them. For, as the most of you have heard, the Turks and Arabs have attacked them and have conquered the territory of

Document 21: The Black Death

From Agnolo di Tura, of Siena:

“The mortality in Siena began in May. It was a cruel and horrible thing…It seemed that almost everyone became stupefied seeing the pain. It is impossible for the human tongue to recount the awful truth. Indeed, one who did not see such horribleness can be called blessed. The victims died almost immediately. They would swell beneath the armpits and in the groin, and fall over while talking. Father abandoned child, wife, husband, one brother another; for this illness seemed to strike through breath and sight. And so they died. None could be found to bury the dead for money or friendship. Members of a household brought their dead to a ditch as best they could, without priest, without divine offices. In many places in Siena great pits were dug and piled deep with the multitude of dead. And they died by the hundreds, both day and night, and all were thrown in those ditches and covered with earth. And as soon as those ditches were filled, more were dug. I, Agnolo di Tura…buried my five children with my own hands…And so many died that all believed it was the end of the world.

 Document 22: Life of a peasant

Peasants worked long hours every day rain or shine, to ensure that their families had enough to eat. Most peasants were farmers, although a few were millers, blacksmiths, and tavern owners. Peasant farmers were the backbone of medieval society. They worked land leased to them by wealthier landholders in the nobility. The farmers produced all of the food, and paid most of the taxes. Their lives weren't all hard work though. They had feasts on holidays, and celebrated births and marriages. They rested each Sabbath day and attended church.

Childbirth was very dangerous during the Middle Ages. If both mother and infant survived childbirth, the child was usually bathed in lukewarm water and then swaddled in warm cotton or wool fabric. Ifit was thought the infant would not live, it was immediately baptized by themed wife or by a man nearby, often the father. If the infant was thought to survive it was baptized several days after its birth in a local church. Here it was named, often after a close relative or a saint, and was promised to be brought up as a Christian

http://kroeber.anthro.mankato.msus.edu/history/middleages/pdailylife.htm

Document 23: The Plague/The Black Death.

In 1348 the Plague, or the Black Death, came to Europe through trading ships in the Mediterranean Sea. The disease quickly spread all over the continent of Europe, killing off about one-third of the population. Agnolo di Tura, an Italian, wrote a firsthand account of his experience living amongst the Plague in Siena, Italy.

Document

Document 23: The Plague/The Black Death.

In 1348 the Plague, or the Black Death, came to Europe through trading ships in the Mediterranean Sea. The disease quickly spread all over the continent of Europe, killing off about one-third of the population. Agnolo di Tura, an Italian, wrote a firsthand account of his experience living amongst the Plague in Siena, Italy.

The mortality began in Siena in May [1348]. It was a cruel and horrible thing; and I do not know where to begin to tell the cruelty and the pitiless ways. It seemed to almost everyone that one became stupefied by seeing the pain...Indeed on who did not see such horribleness can be called blessed. And the victims died almost immediately. They would swell beneath their armpits and in their groins, and fall over dead while talking. Father abandoned child, wife husband, one brother another...And none could be found to bury the dead for money or friendship. Members of a household brought their dead to a ditch as best they could, without priest, without divine offices [last rites]. Nor did the death bell sound. And in many places in Siena great pits were dug and piled deep with the multitude of dead.

And I, Agnolo di Tura, called the Fat, buried my five children with my own hands. And there were also those who were so sparsely covered with earth that dogs dragged them forth and devoured many bodies throughout the city.

Document 24: The Manorial System.

The manorial system, widespread in the West from Charlemagne’s time onward, was not at first favorable to the development of agriculture and commerce. Manors tended to be self-sufficient; the economy was closed. People lived in their small world, in constant fear of the strange world beyond, from which came only evil. The best they could hope for was to endure; and they endured. In the eleventh and following centuries things took a turn for the better. Life became more stable; population increased; new lands were brought under cultivation and old lands rendered [made] more productive. New agricultural techniques were introduced. The power of legumes [nitrogen-fixing plants] to nourish and revive exhausted soils was recognized, and the science of manuring developed—marl [lime-rich mud] and ashes being employed in combination with animal manures. The quality of herds was improved by selection and crossbreeding. Flowing water was put to work, operating gristmills and providing power for forges. Windmills whirled on plains and uplands, and men even attempted, with some success, to construct tidal mills. . . .

Source: Morris Bishop, The Middle Ages, Houghton Mifflin

Document 27: The Peasant’s Life

About nine tenths of the people were peasants--farmers or village laborers. Only a few of these were freemen--peasants who were not bound to a lord and who paid only a fixed rent for their land. The vast majority were serfs and villeins. Theoretically, the villeins had wider legal rights than the serfs and fewer duties to the lords. There was little real difference, however.

Document 25: Excerpt Castle Life.

Even in summer, dampness clung to the stone rooms, and the lord and his retinue spent as much time as possible outdoors. At dawn the watchman atop the donjon blew a blast on his bugle to awaken the castle. After a scanty breakfast of bread and wine or beer, the nobles attended mass in the castle chapel.

Source: The International History Project (2001). http://history-world.org/castle_life.htm

Document 26: Class Structure

Medieval society essentially consisted of three classes: nobles, peasants, and clergy. Each of these groups had its own role. The nobles were primarily fighters, belonging to an honored society distinct from the freemenand serfs who made up the peasantry. In an age of physical violence, society obviously would accord first place to the man with the sword rather than to the man with the hoe. Members of the clergy came from both the noble and peasant classes. Although most higher churchmen were sons of nobles and held land as vassals under local custom, the clergy formed a class that was considered separate from the nobility and peasantry.

Source: The International History Project (2001). http://history-world.org/Mid%20political_organization.htm

Document 27: The Peasant’s Life

About nine tenths of the people were peasants--farmers or village laborers. Only a few of these were freemen--peasants who were not bound to a lord and who paid only a fixed rent for their land. The vast majority were serfs and villeins. Theoretically, the villeins had wider legal rights than the serfs and fewer duties to the lords. There was little real difference, however.

Document 28: Excerpt from The Church and Feudalism

In time, the church sought to improve the behavior of the warrior nobility. In addition to attempting to add Christian virtues to chivalry, the code of knightly conduct,… the church sought to impose limitations on warfare. In the eleventh century bishops called the attention of the knights to the Peace of God and Truce of God. The Peace of God banned from the sacraments all persons who pillaged sacred places or refused to spare noncombatants. The Truce of God established "closed seasons" on fighting: from sunset on Wednesday to sunrise on Monday and certain longer periods, such as Lent. These regulations were generally ignored.

Source: The International History Project (2001). http://history-world.org/Mid%20political_organization.htm

Document 29: Excerpt from the Missionary Activities of the Church

The early Middle Ages was a period of widespread missionary activity. By spreading Christianity, missionaries aided in the fusion of Germanic and classical cultures. Monasteries served as havens for those seeking a contemplative life, as repositories of learning for scholars, and often as progressive farming centers. The zeal with which the monks approached their faith often extended beyond the monastic walls.

Source: The International History Project (2001). http://history-world.org/midchurch.htm

Document 30: Excerpt from The Preservation of Knowledge

One of the great contributions of the monasteries was the preservation of the learning of the classical world and that of the church. Learning did not entirely die out in western Europe, of course. Seeing that the ability to readGreek was quickly disappearing, the sixth-century Roman scholar Boethius, an administrator under the Ostrogothic king Theodoric, determined to preserve Greek learning by translating all of Plato and Aristotle into Latin. Only Aristotle's treatises on logic were translated, and these remained the sole works of that philosopher available in the West until the twelfth century. Unjustly accused of treachery by Theodoric, Boethius was thrown into prison, where he wrote The

Document 30: Excerpt from The Preservation of Knowledge

One of the great contributions of the monasteries was the preservation of the learning of the classical world and that of the church. Learning did not entirely die out in western Europe, of course. Seeing that the ability to readGreek was quickly disappearing, the sixth-century Roman scholar Boethius, an administrator under the Ostrogothic king Theodoric, determined to preserve Greek learning by translating all of Plato and Aristotle into Latin. Only Aristotle's treatises on logic were translated, and these remained the sole works of that philosopher available in the West until the twelfth century. Unjustly accused of treachery by Theodoric, Boethius was thrown into prison, where he wrote The

Document 31: The Rise of Trade and Towns

Although scholars have long debated the extent of trade and urban life during the early Middle Ages, there is general agreement that increased trade activity was evident before the crusades. With the ending of Viking and Magyar attacks in the tenth century, a northern trading area developed, which extended from the British Isles to the Baltic Sea.The center of this northern trade system was the county of Flanders. By 1050 Flemish artisans were producing a surplus of woolen cloth of such fine quality that it was in great demand. Baltic furs, honey and forest products,and British tin and raw wool were exchanged for Flemish cloth. From the south by way of Italy came oriental luxury goods - silks, sugar, and spices.

Source: The International History Project (2001). http://history-world.org/midtowns.htm

Document 32: Trade Routes and Trade Fairs

Along the main European trade routes, astute lords set up fairs, where merchants and goods from Italy and northern Europe met. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries the fairs of Champagne in France functioned as the major clearing house for this international trade. Fairs were important and elaborate events held either seasonally or annually in specified areas of each European country. The feudal law of the region was set aside during a fair, and in its place was substituted a new commerical code called the "law merchant." Special courts, with merchants acting as judges, settled all disputes. In England such courts were called "pie-powder courts," from the French pied poudre, meaning "dusty foot." Fairs also greatly stimulated the revival of a money economy and early forms of banking and credit.

Source: The International History Project (2001). http://history-world.org/midtowns.htm

Document 40: Monks and Nuns welcoming travelers and caring for the sick, c 1400s

Document 39: Women of the Middle Ages.

Even dating back to the Middle Ages many women lacked basic rights. Unmarried women were allowed to own property  and had some rights. Married women had to give up their rights once they were married. Noble women were usually controlled by their fathers, who made their decisions for them. Any unruly girls were beaten into submission and disobedience was seen as a crime against religion.

Source: https://sites.google.com/site/lifeinthemiddleagesvft/women-of-the-middle-ages

Document 40: Monks and Nuns welcoming travelers and caring for the sick, c 1400s

Document 33: Letter of Gregory VII to Henry IV, AD 1075.

Bishop Gregory, servant of the servants of God, to King Henry, greeting and apostolic benediction:-that is, if he be obedient to the apostolic chair as beseems a Christian king. Considering and carefully weighing with what strict judgment we shall have to render account for the ministry entrusted to us by St. Peter, chief of the apostles, it is with hesitation that we have sent unto thee the apostolic benediction. For thou art said knowingly to exercise fellowship with those excommunicated by a judgment of the apostolic chair, and by sentence of a synod. If this be true, thou dost know thyself that thou may'st receive the favour neither of the divine nor of the apostolic benediction unless-those who have been excommunicated being separated from thee, and compelled to do penance- thou do first, with condign repentance and satisfaction' seek absolution and indulgence for the transgression. Therefore we counsel thy Highness that, if thou dost feel thyself guilty in this matter, thou do seek the advice of some canonical bishop with speedy confession. Who, with our permission enjoining on thee a proper penance for this fault, shall absolve thee and shall endeavour by letter to intimate to us truly, with thy consent, the measure of thy penitence.

Source: Henderson, Ernest F. Select Historical Documents of the Middle Ages London : George Bell and Sons, 1896. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/medieval/inv01.asp

Document 35: Henry IV.'s Answer to Gregory VII., Jan. 24,1076

Henry, king not through usurpation but through the holy ordination of God, to Hildebrand, at present not pope but false monk. Such greeting as this hast thou merited through thy disturbances, inasmuch as there is no grade in the church which thou hast omitted to make a partaker not of honour but of confusion, not of benediction but of malediction. For, to mention few and especial cases out of many, not only hast thou not feared to lay hands upon the rulers of the holy church, the anointed of the Lord- the archbishops, namely, bishops and priests-but thou hast trodden them under foot like

Document 34: Pope Gregory VII, the Deposition of Henry IV, Feb. 22 1076

And especially to me, as thy representative and by thy favour, has the power been granted by God of binding and loosing in Heaven and on earth. On the strength of this belief therefore, for the honour and security of thy church, in the name of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I withdraw, through thy power and authority, from Henry the king, son of Henry the emperor, who has risen against thy church with unheard of insolence, the rule over the whole kingdom of the Germans and over Italy. And I absolve all Christians from the bonds of the oath which they have made or shall make to him; and I forbid any one to serve him as king. For it is fitting that he who strives to lessen the honour of thy church should himself lose the honour which belongs to him. And since he has scorned to obey as a Christian, and has not-returned to God whom he had deserted-holding intercourse with the excommunicated ; practicing manifold iniquities; spurning my commands which, as thou dost bear witness, I issued to him for his own salvation; separating himself from thy church and striving to rend it-I bind him in thy stead with the chain of the anathema. And, leaning on thee, I so bind him that the people may know and have proof that thou art Peter, and above thy rock the Son of the living God bath built His church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.

Source: Henderson, Ernest F. Select Historical Documents of the Middle Ages London : George Bell and Sons, 1896. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/medieval/inv01.asp

Document 35: Henry IV.'s Answer to Gregory VII., Jan. 24,1076

Henry, king not through usurpation but through the holy ordination of God, to Hildebrand, at present not pope but false monk. Such greeting as this hast thou merited through thy disturbances, inasmuch as there is no grade in the church which thou hast omitted to make a partaker not of honour but of confusion, not of benediction but of malediction. For, to mention few and especial cases out of many, not only hast thou not feared to lay hands upon the rulers of the holy church, the anointed of the Lord- the archbishops, namely, bishops and priests-but thou hast trodden them under foot like

Document 36: Excerpt of Concordat of Worms; September 23, 1122

Privilege of Pope Calixtus II.

I, bishop Calixtus, servant of the servants of God, do grant to thee beloved son, Henry-by the grace of God august emperor of the Romans-that the elections of the bishops and abbots of the German kingdom, who belong to the kingdom, shall take place in thy presence, without simony and without any violence; so that if any discord shall arise between the parties concerned, thou, by the counsel or judgment of the metropolitan and the co-provincials, may'st give consent and aid to the party which has the more right. The one elected, moreover, without any exaction may receive the regalia from thee through the lance, and shall do unto thee for these what he rightfully should. But he who is consecrated in the other parts of thy empire (i.e. Burgundy and Italy) shall, within six months, and without any exaction, receive the regalia from thee through the lance, and shall do unto thee for these what he rightfully should. Excepting all things which are known to belong to the Roman church. Concerning matters, however, in which thou dost make complaint to me, and dost demand aid,-I, according to the duty of my office. will furnish aid to thee. I give unto thee true peace, and to all who are or have been on thy side in the time of this discord.

Source: Henderson, Ernest F. Select Historical Documents of the Middle Ages London : George Bell and Sons, 1896. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/medieval/inv01.asp

Document 37: Excerpt of Concordat of Worms; September 23, 1122

Edict of the Emperor Henry IV.

In the name of the holy and indivisible Trinity, I, Henry, by the grace of God august emperor of the Romans, for the love of God and of the holy Roman church and of our master pope Calixtus, and for the healing of my soul, do remit to

Document 37: Excerpt of Concordat of Worms; September 23, 1122

Edict of the Emperor Henry IV.

In the name of the holy and indivisible Trinity, I, Henry, by the grace of God august emperor of the Romans, for the love of God and of the holy Roman church and of our master pope Calixtus, and for the healing of my soul, do remit to

Document 38: Urban Charter of Jaca, Spain.

Sources: Lualdi, K. (2005), Sources of the making of the west: Peoples and cultures. Vol. 1 to 1740. (2nd ed). Boston MA: Bedford.