module 2 Flashcards
during what time period did monarchies evolve from fragmented tribes into centralised forms of government?
5th-15th centuries
describe some benefits of feudalism
the king would be able to use his vassals to help him in times of war, where the vassals were required to supply troops and show their support
the vassals could give some of their land to lower lords, creating a multi-tiered hierachy, in which they all had to show obedience and support to the king
what did john of salisbury argue?
that showing obedience and support to the king was a religious duty
name some ways in which the monarchy could make money
royal demesne
levy taxes and duties on trades and commerce
diplomatic marriages
the role of queens?
queens would act as regents when the king was away
they would watch the royal household and sometimes would even influence political decisions
name 2 politically and culturally influential queens
eleanor of aquitaine
isabella of castille
when did feudalism emerge?
9th and 10th centuries
what was a benefit and a weakness of the decentralisation of power that came with feudalism? give an example of this weakness and what this led to
benefit: delicately balanced power
weakness: vassals could become dissatisfied. the baronial revolts during the reign of king john are an example, leading to the 1215 magna carta
how did feudalism impact the economy and society?
the manorial system organised agricultural production, fostering a rural, agrarian society where local production and consumption were key
how did feudalism impact the legal and administrative framework?
feudal cords, presided over by local lords, dealt with disputes and enforced laws
name some benefits of the relationship between the monarch and vassals
a lot of vassals were also knights, and they swore allegiance to the monarchy
it fostered a culture of chivalry and bravery, influencing a lot of medieval literature, such as the arthurian legends and the epics of charlemagne
how did feudalism influence the development of towns and trade?
trade was needed to get resources that could not be found or produced locally
towns and cities grew around castles and monasteries, becoming centres of commerce and trade
what role did the church have in feudalism?
a lot of high-ranking clergymen were powerful feudal lords
monasteries and cathedral schools became centres of culture and learning
frederick i
holy roman emperor from 1155-1190
tried to consolidate imperial power in germany and assert his authority in italy
revival of roman law and the strengthening of the administrative system
died during the third crusade, which attempted to regain jerusalem from muslim forces
philip ii
philip augustus
king of france from 1180-1223
expanded through marriage, alliances and military campaigns
captured normandy from england
reformed the administration, established an effective form of bureaucracy and standardised tax collection
alfonso x of castile
ruled the iberian peninsula from 1252-1284
alfonsine tables
siete partidas
patron of learning and culture, with a lot of his court being made up of christian, muslim and jewish scholars
advancements in law, literature and science
king edward i
king of england from 1272-1307
military campaigns and legal reform
sought to consolidate control over the british isles, leading to the annexation of wales
attempted to capture scotland, but to no avail
1295 model parliament
louis ix
king of france from 1226-1270
deep piety and commitment to justice
created a system of royal courts that reduced the power of feudal lords
led 2 crusades to the holy land, both unsuccessful
frederick ii
holy roman emperor from 1220-1250
intellectual curiosity and a passion for culture
founded the university of naples
attempted to assert imperial authority over the papacy and italian territories, leading to some conflict
isabella i of castile
ruled from 1474-1504
married to ferdinand ii of aragon, bringing 2 powerful kingdoms together
crucial role in the unification of spain and the initiation of the spanish inquisition
1492, sponsored columbus’ voyage, leading to the discovery of the new world
