Feudal Society: Post-Charlemagne Western Europe

Historical Context

Crisis in 9th and 10th Centuries

• Western Europe plunged into crisis post-Charlemagne.
• Raiding activities mainly by Vikings, also by Magyars and Muslim groups.
• Perception of Europe “under siege,” leading to the rise of feudalism.

Charlemagne’s Loose Control

• Charlemagne’s vast empire depended on personal loyalty from various elites.
• Emperor's death in 814: inherited by his incapable son and later divided among his grandchildren in 843 (Treaty of Verdun).
• Division led to early political fragmentation and decentralization.

Viking Raiding Activity

Vikings as Primary Raiders

• Vikings from Scandinavia engaged in extensive raiding (British Isles, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Russia, North America).
• Motivations: overpopulation in Scandinavia, centralization push by Scandinavian kings, and the desire for independence.

Viking Tactics and Impact

• Viking ships: durable for the sea, shallow for navigating rivers, making monasteries and towns vulnerable targets.
• Monasteries: high-value targets for their collected wealth (donations from wealthy individuals).
• Hit-and-run tactics caused widespread havoc and decentralization.

Colonization and Settlement

• Vikings established permanent raiding bases, which evolved into colonies (e.g., Normandy in 911).
• Assimilated into local cultures (e.g., Vikings who settled in Normandy became French-speaking Christians).

Feudalism as a Response

Emergence of Feudalism

• Feudal contracts originated as a decentralization measure due to the raiding crisis.
• Feudal contracts between kings and nobles, then between greater and lesser nobility.

Components of Feudal Contracts

• Lord’s Obligations: Justice, protection, and land grants (fiefs).
• Vassal’s Obligations: Military service (40 days/year), loyalty, and occasional counsel.

Feudal Contract Dynamics

• Hierarchical nature: King’s direct vassals often have their own vassals.
• Problems with multiple commitments: Nobles having feudal contracts with multiple kings could cause conflicts of loyalty.
• Potential for powerful nobles to challenge kings.

Complications and Long-term Implications

• Feudal contracts perpetuated social and political complexity.
• Contracts typically inherited, but personal loyalty aspects could decay over generations.
• Spread of feudalism from France to the Holy Roman Empire, Northern Italy, England, etc.

Next Steps

• The following lecture will delve deeper into the societal implications of feudal contracts and the experiences of commoners in this period.