The Middle Ages covered a period of history that goes roughly from 1066 to 1485.

1066 is a very crucial date in the history because it marked the conquest of Britain by Normans. They came from northern France. This conquest changed the English literature.

The Anglo-Saxons ruled Britain before William I the Conqueror conquered England lands

(ENGLAND: “land of the Angles”) ; they spoke Germanic dialects and they were divided into several tribes. William I was their 7th king: he was relevant, strategic and important. He introduced the FEUDAL SYSTEM --> it was a new social organisation: it wasn’t new in Europe but it was new in England. It consists of a pyramidal hierarchical system: on top of the hierarchy there was the POPE. Why? Because religion was very important to all people during that period. In fact everybody, whatever social class they belonged to, recognised the religion as a way to reach SALVATION. (Religion = the most important code that people followed during the Middle Ages)

Social hierarchy

1- Pope

2- king

3- nobles (knights, barons, vassals)

4- serfs

● Pope--> Religion--> Regular

● King--> Aristocracy--> Chivalry code--> Feudal system--> Worldly/secular

William I was afraid of barons, knights and vassals could become more powerful than him. In fact by introducing the feudal system he put his power at risk.

In 1215 the barons forced the king to sign the Magna Carta because he levied too heavy taxes. MAGNA CARTA--> This document limited the royal power. It was the result of a process of negotiation between the king (king John Lackland) and the barons.

Later, in 1381, there was the Peasants Revolt when the peasants rebelled against heavy taxation.

LANGUAGES

● Latin: Church, lawyers

● Old English: People

● French: Court

LITERATURE

● Common people: Ballad, poems transmitted orally

● Aristocracy: Poetry, written