The period was also a time rife with the feudal system of government and economics that saw peasants (or serfs) toil and break their backs in exchange for the protection given by their lords. The Middle Ages also introduced the world to some pretty horrific events such as the Black Death which killed several millions of people the Hundred Years War the Crusades and the Wars of the Roses. Some notable personalities of this time period include William the Conqueror, Emperor Justinian I, Genghis Khan, Charlemagne, and Alfred the Great. The Middle Ages was responsible for producing great empires and societies such as the Byzantine Empire, the Anglo-Saxons, The Franks and the Vikings. What this means is that it lasted for about a millennium, from the late 5 th century CE to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 15 th century CE. The Middle Ages refer to a period in history that spanned from the time Rome fell to the time the Ottoman Empire rose. The article also includes a complete timeline of all the major events that characterized the Middle Ages, which is also known as the Medieval Era. Here is a quick summary of what the Middle Ages were all about in Europe. The most powerful nobles aspired to be King - and the Medieval history of the Middle Ages under the feudalism pyramid describes such coups.Middle Ages – Definition, Summary and Timeline | Image: Medieval French manuscript showing the three classes of medieval society – the clergy, the knights, and the peasants (or serfs) | Li Livres dou Sante, 13th century If his importance in the land increased it became possible for him to join the nobility. His wealth could pay for a manor house or even a castle. A Middle Ages Knight who proved valiant in battle or was successful at jousting in tournaments could become wealthy and ambitious because of Middle Ages feudalism.
Medieval Squires and Pages of the Middle Ages wanted to become knights.
The good thing about Middle Ages Feudalism was that is was possible for everyone to move higher up the ranks of the pyramid of power and this is what everyone aspired to do. The order of rank and precedence in the Medieval Feudal System was as follows: The pyramid of power which was the Feudal system ran to a strict 'pecking' order - during the Medieval period of the Middle Ages everyone knew their place. Middle Ages Feudalism - The Pyramid of Power The limited time requirement of the Feudal Levy was designed to ensure that the land would not suffer from neglect. Medieval Nobles and lords of the Middle Ages were expected to provide trained soldiers to fight for the King and to provide clothes and weapons for the soldiers. Under the Feudal Levy men were required to fight for a limited period of 40 days - under certain circumstances this could be increased to 90 days. When war erupted during the Middle Ages troops were raised by the Feudal Levy when there was a 'Call to Arms'.