Second Wave of Barbarian Invasions

After the Treaty of Verdun, Charlemagne's three feuding grandsons broke up the Carolingian Empire even further. As a result, between 800 and 1000 A.D. (C.E.), much of Europe became vulnerable to a second wave of foreign invasions. Muslim invaders from the south seized Sicily and raided Italy, Magyars invaded from the east, and the most feared attackers of all, the Vikings, sailed from the north. The invasions completely destroyed the Carolingian Empire and much of Europe. In this interactivity, you will explore the second wave of barbarian invasions. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

Feudalism

Between the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century and the collapse of the Carolingian Empire in the tenth century, political turmoil and constant warfare throughout much of Europe led to the rise of feudalism, a military and political system based on land ownership and personal loyalty.

The feudal system emerged as a means of protection for oneself and one's possessions against the second wave of barbarian invaders; it was a system based on mutual obligation. For example, in exchange for military protection, a lord, or landowner gave a plot of land called a fief. The person who received the fief was called a vassal. The transaction of a noble giving land and a vassal receiving land created a contract between the two individuals. In addition, a vassal could further divide the land he was granted by granting it to others, such as knights. Thus, a vassal could also be a lord.

Diagram depicting how feudalism works

Manorialism: The Economic Side of Feudalism

In contrast to feudalism being the political system of mutual obligations that developed during the Middle Ages, manorialism was the economic system of mutual obligations that developed during this time. A rigid class structure existed within the manor. Specifically, the manor was the lord's estate, and the manor system was based on mutual obligations between a lord and his serfs. Although serfs were not slaves and could not be bought or sold, they were legally bound to the land for a lifetime of labor. Under the manorial system, a lord provided serfs with housing, strips of farmland, and protection from robbers. In return, serfs tended to the lord's lands, cared for his animals, and performed other tasks to maintain the self-sufficient estate.

 

Feudalism and the Manor System Review

Now that you have explored the second wave of barbarian invasions, feudalism, and the manor system, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player button to get started.