Lecture Notes: Post-Roman Europe and the Foundation of the Feudal System

The Impact of Roman Withdrawal

• Roman Empire Withdrawal: Withdrew to Byzantium, leaving Europe isolated.
  • Roman soldiers no longer act as a police force.
  • Government and law enforcement collapse.
  • Food imports stop, forcing Europe to self-sustain.
• Agriculture: Europe had not self-sufficient farms to support its population.

The Breakdown of Society

• Social Breakdown: Unified regions became localized and parochial.
  • Education declined dramatically, with few able to read or write.
• Limited Historical Records: Knowledge from archaeology and spotty church records.
• Living Conditions: Life was harsh, chaotic, and short.
  • High infant mortality (40-50%).
  • Average life expectancy: Men ~35 years, Women ~25 years.
• Malnutrition: Severe, with limited meat consumption.

Rise of Feudal System

• Survival and Violence: High rate of violent deaths and disease.
  • Farmers were often victims of mercenary attacks.
• Protection Racket: Mercenaries provided protection in exchange for food.
  • Evolved into the role of knights.
• Formation of Nobility: Need for management of knights.
  • Led to the development of the feudal system.

Feudal System Structure

• Pyramid Scheme: Based on land and protection.
  • Peasants/Farmers: Worked the land.
  • Knights: Provided protection for a share of crops.
  • Nobility and Church: Managed knights and promised protection.
  • King: Small, local rulers overseeing regions.

The Role of the Church

• Social Safety Net: Provided healthcare, welfare, and education.
  • Only remaining structure from Roman times.

Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire

• Unification of Europe: Charlemagne centralized and expanded control, forming the Carolingian Empire.
  • Promoted the feudal system as a unified structure.
• Restoration of Order: Seen as a divinely appointed leader.
  • Inspired legends and art to demonstrate stability and authority.

Educational Reforms

• Liberal Arts Education: Charlemagne imported teachers to educate key people.
  • Trivium: Grammar, rhetoric, and dialect.
  • Quadrivium: Arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music.
• Monks: Preserved knowledge, copied books, and created illuminated manuscripts.