MED - Society in the Middle Ages. (Lesson)

Society in the Middle Ages.

Keep in mind:

  • Medieval society is a stratified one. Rich are very rich, poor are very poor.
  • Nobles believed being poor made you evil: villager comes from villain, villain derives from villein the word the peasants were called.
  • Rich had a code of conduct to follow (Chivalry), you must not only be a good fighter, but also incorporate art, music, learning; Chivalry codes also dealt with appropriate behavior in respect to nobility. (Poor people, however, were fair game.)

 

Document Discussion

Document Discussion Icon

It is time to take a closer look at the Code of Chivalry. Download a copy from the link below and be sure to read it carefully.

As you read, consider the following:

      • Why might it have been written?
      • What values/importance does it emphasize?
      • What can it tell us about the time?

Click here to download a copy of the Code of Chivalry. Links to an external site.

 

Families and Marriage.

Families:

  • Were nuclear (mom, dad, 2.5 kids), not as large as many believe.
  • 50% of those born died before the age of 20, most died in infancy, many aren't named until they reach their 10th birthday.
  • High infant mortality rate due to spread of diseases, lack of nutrition, birth complications.
  • Women were often pregnant (leading to the large family myth), but suffered many miscarriages and high infant mortality.
  • Father is head of household, following in the tradition of the Roman Paterfamilias, is in charge of family well-being, religious upbringing, livelihood, marriages; is the law in the house (literally in charge of your life or death).

Marriage:

  • Courtly love was a myth (no great epic romances, no Arthur & Guinevere, no knights on white horses saving damsels in distress and living happily ever after).
  • Nobility married for gain (alliance, land or money), marriages were arranged.
  • Peasants could marry for love (no money anyway, nothing to gain or lose).
  • Ages: Nobility - women 13-16, men 30-60; Peasants- could marry later, usually both in late 20's.
  • Originally the church had no role in marriage, you both just had to agree, as more people slipped away from the church, the pope determined marriages must be performed by a member of the clergy.

 

 

 

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