Feudalism / The Rise of Charlemagne

Charlemagne's empire remained strong and united long after his death

Charlemagne's grandsons strengthened and expanded the empire after his death

Peasants and serfs were at the bottom of the feudal hierarchy

Feudalism helped stabilize medieval society in Western Europe

The Holy Roman Empire, first ruled by Charlemagne, lasted for over 700 years

Feudalism was a political and economic system based on landownership and mutual obligation

The feudal lord was responsible for providing protection and maintaining order on his manor

Knights were warriors on horseback who pledged loyalty to their lords

Serfs were completely free and could leave their lords land whenever they wanted

Charlemagne was the only king in medieval Western Europe to create an empire

Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Romans because he conquered Rome by force

In feudal society, knights were ranked higher than nobles and bishops

Feudalism was a primarily economic system that depended on trade with other regions

Feudal manors typically included a church, workshops, and farmland

The manor system made most places self-sufficient during feudal times