Introduction – What Were the Three Orders?

• Medieval European society (9th–15th century CE) was based on feudalism, a system of land ownership and service.
• Society was divided into three orders:
  • Clergy (those who prayed)
  • Nobles (those who fought)
  • Peasants (those who worked)
• This system maintained stability, but also led to social and economic inequalities.

The Feudal System – How Did It Work?

• Feudalism was a system where the king granted land (fiefs) to nobles (lords) in exchange for military service.
• The lord gave protection to peasants, who worked on his land.
• This system created a hierarchy of power and responsibilities.

Structure of Feudal Society

The Role of the Clergy (First Order – Those Who Prayed)

• The clergy (priests, bishops, monks) controlled religious life in Europe.
• The Pope was the head of the Catholic Church and had great influence over kings.

Functions of the Clergy

• Performed religious services (baptisms, marriages, funerals).
• Owned large amounts of land and collected taxes (tithes).
• Ran schools, hospitals, and monasteries.
• Preserved knowledge by copying books in monasteries.

The Role of Nobles and Knights (Second Order – Those Who Fought)

• Nobles and knights were responsible for protecting the land and fighting in wars.
• Knights followed the “Code of Chivalry,” which emphasized bravery, loyalty, and honor.

Life of a Knight

• Trained from childhood (as pages and squires) to become warriors.
• Fought in battles and tournaments.
• Protected peasants and enforced the lord’s rule.

The Life of Peasants (Third Order – Those Who Worked)

• Peasants made up the majority of the population and worked on farms.
• They were divided into two groups:
  • Freemen – Paid rent and had some rights.
  • Serfs – Bound to the land, could not leave without the lord’s permission.

Peasant Life and Hardships

• Lived in small villages with simple houses.
• Worked long hours on farms, growing wheat, barley, and vegetables.
• Paid heavy taxes and gave part of their crops to the lord.
• Faced famines, diseases, and harsh treatment.

The Manorial System – The Economic Structure of Feudalism

• Manors were self-sufficient villages run by lords.
• Everything needed (food, tools, clothes) was produced within the manor.

Features of the Manor System

• Included farmland, a village, a church, and a lord’s castle.
• Peasants worked the land in exchange for protection.
• Had blacksmiths, mills, and markets for local trade.

The Church and Its Power in Medieval Europe

• The Church was the most powerful institution, controlling both religious and political life.
• It influenced kings and nobles through religious laws (Canon Law).

Church Influence on Society

• Excommunication – The Pope could remove a person from the Church.
• Inquisitions – Investigations to punish heretics (non-believers).
• Monasteries – Centers of learning and education.

Changes in Feudal Society (11th–15th Century)

Over time, feudalism weakened due to economic and social changes.

Reasons for the Decline of Feudalism

• Growth of Towns and Trade – People moved to cities for work.
• The Black Death (1347–1351) – Killed millions, reducing the workforce.
• The Crusades (1095–1291) – Opened Europe to new ideas and trade.
• Rise of Strong Kings – Centralized power, reducing the influence of nobles.

The Impact of the Three Orders on European History

Feudalism shaped medieval Europe but declined as towns, trade, and centralized states grew.

Conclusion

• Medieval European society was divided into three orders: clergy (those who prayed), nobles (those who fought), and peasants (those who worked).
• Feudalism was a land-based system where loyalty and service were exchanged for protection.
• The Church was the most powerful institution, influencing all aspects of life.
• The manorial system made each estate self-sufficient, relying on agriculture.
• Over time, feudalism weakened due to economic changes, the Black Death, and the rise of centralized kingdoms.