Life and death in medieval times

Question 1

Medieval times

Answer 1

500 CE – 1500 CE
Period between ancient and modern times

Question 2

Feudal system

Answer 2

Form of government
King -> Nobles -> Knights-> Peasants

Question 3

Medieval castle

Answer 3

The most important people in medieval society were Kings and Lords. They lived in medieval castles. The castle also housed:
◆ The King and Lord’s families
◆ Knights
◆ Servants
There were two types of castle:
1. Motte and Bailey Castles
2. Stone Castles

Question 4

Defence

Answer 4

◆ Archers fired arrows on the enemy from the battlements and turrets.
◆ Heavy rocks were thrown down the ‘murder hole’ on attacking soldiers as they entered the castle.
◆ Boiling oil and quicklime were poured over those attempting to scale the walls.

Question 5

Medieval towns

Answer 5

In the Middle Ages, many people lived in towns.
◆ They were usually built on a river or on the coast so people could trade and fish. They usually had a castle nearby.
◆ Towns had a list of rules called a town charter.
◆ They had high walls to defend against an attack.
◆ They had gates which were closed at sundown. Travelling merchants often had to pay a toll.
◆ Towns often contained a high street (main street) and a market square.

Question 6

Living conditions in medieval towns

Answer 6

Towns were not healthy places to live , there was no sewage system. So people discarded their waste in the streets or local rivers. People often shared their homes with their livestock, but none of these animals were house-trained.

Question 7

Black Death

Answer 7

*The Black Death was caused by fleas that lived on rats and killed 30-60% of Europe’s population.
* It started in Asia.
* Victims had large ulcers or pustules.
* Dead bodies had a grey/black appearance.
* The average life expectancy was 35.

Question 8

End of feudal system

Answer 8

The drastic reduction in workforce enabled the surviving serfs and freemen to demand higher wages. Manor owners had to compete for their workers. This new atmosphere of competition in the peasant classes led to greater social mobility and also promoted capitalism. People were more able to gain wealth and improve their class status, and trade was controlled by competition, instead of by the wealthy few.