The Middle Ages

Question 1

When did the Middle Ages begin and with what event?

Answer 1

The Middle ages begin with the fall of Rome on September 4, 476 AD

Question 2

Why did Europe become such a violent place during the Early Middle Ages?

Answer 2

Europe became such a violent place during the Early Middle Ages because the barbarian groups were constantly fighting over over power.

Question 3

Who is thought to be a key figure in bringing stability to Europe? How did he bring stability?

Answer 3

William the conqueror (William of Normandy) is thought to be a key figure in bringing stability to Europe. He did this by introducing the strict social/political/economic system called Feudalism.

Question 4

Draw and label the feudal hierarchy

Answer 4

Question 5

Draw and label church hierarchy

Answer 5

Question 6

Describe the hierarchical structure of medieval society, i.e., what are the levels? How does it work?

Answer 6

Monarch/King:
* The highest authority
* Owned all the land
* Granted land and titles to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service.

Nobles
* Directly below the monarch
* Received land in exchange for loyalty
* Administered of their fiefs

Knights
* Lower-ranking than nobles
* Provided military service

Serfs/Peasants
* lowest & majority of the population.
* Worked the land
* Tied to the land (can’t Leave)

Question 7

Why is the feudalism hierarchy often drawn in a pyramid shape?

Answer 7

The pyramid shape shows the feudal hierarchy of a single person at the top with the most power & the smallest portion of the triangle, while the majority of the population is located at the large base with the lowest social classes.

Question 8

What did Feudalism provide?

Answer 8

• Protection to individuals
• land that provides a place to live to individuals in exchange for loyalty and services.
• People had access to land for subsistence farming, and trade.
• a clear social structure, which brought order and predictability to a society where roles and responsibilities.

Question 9

What is a Manor and what is a Fiefdom?

Answer 9

A manor is the main house/castle that is responsible for the self-sustaining estate, often containing villages and agricultural land

A fiefdom or fief is the land granted to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service to a higher-ranking person.

Question 10

What did a lord’s strength depend on?

Answer 10

The amount of land a lord controlled directly influenced their power.

Question 11

What two things did a lord need to defend his property and people?

Answer 11

The combination of a loyal military force and well-fortified strongholds.

Question 12

What were the best sites for castles?

Answer 12

The best places for castles were on hill tops as it provided a natural defense against attacks.

Question 13

How could a regular serf escape from serfdom? Explain.

Answer 13

Serfs who managed to reach an urban for 1 year and 1 day without being recaptured.

Question 14

How many types of peasants were there and what was the difference between them?

Answer 14

Serfs
* most common type of peasants
* bound to the land
* farming resposiblities.
* payment of taxes

Free Peasants (Freemen):
* not bound to the land
* owned or rented land
* Paid taxes

Question 15

How was life as a merchant different from a peasant or lord?

Answer 15

Merchants focused on trade and economic opportunities.

• They enjoyed more personal freedom

Question 16

How did a guild control society?

Answer 16

• quality standards
• Set prices

Question 17

What are two (2) positive aspects of being a serf and two (2) negative aspects of being a serf.

Answer 17

Positive
* Security and Protection
* Community and Social Support

Negative
* Limited Personal Freedom
* Dependency and Obligations

Question 18

What are two (2) positive aspects of being a merchant and two (2) negative aspects of being a merchant?

Answer 18

Positive
* Economic Opportunity and Prosperity
* Independence and Mobility

Negative
* Financial Risks and Uncertainty
* Social Vulnerability (people thought they were not to be trusted as they did not have allegience.

Question 19

Why was religion so important to people living in the Middle Ages?

Answer 19

• understanding the purpose of life, morality, and the afterlife
• provided a moral code that helped people navigate their actions and behaviors
• providing a sense of community and belonging
• The pope and the clergy had the power to influence the monarchs
• Religion was a fundamental aspect of cultural identity
• Hierarchical Order

Question 20

Why do you think medieval people accepted without question what the church was telling them?

Answer 20

• the Catholic Church was seen as the ultimate spiritual and moral authority.
• The clergy had the power to intrepet the bible.
• The Church emphasized the consequences of sin and the promise of salvation.
• People were raised in religious environments, and the Church’s teachings were an integral part of daily life
• few alternatives to the Church
• The Church held significant political power, and its influence extended to monarchs

Question 21

What is a tithe? Explain what it was and who it was for.

Answer 21

• A tithe is a practice of giving a portion of one’s income or produce, typically one-tenth (10%), to a religious institution.
• Individuals from the noble, Knights, free peasants, and the serfs were required to make this oftening to the Church

Reasons for the tithe:
* Supporting the Church:
* a demonstration of one’s faith
* Community Welfare (Help those in need)

Question 22

Why do you think people would want to become a Monk or Nun? Support answer.

Answer 22

• Religious Devotion (individuals deep connection to their faith)
• provided support to the community
• Educational Opportunities.
• Escape from Social or Personal Challenges

Question 23

Describe 3 ways in which the church was central to people’s lives?

Answer 23

• Spiritual education as no one could read the bible
• Guidance that controlled daily actions
• Community and Social Life

Question 24

The Church was the only organization at the time offering education. How did this role give the church power?

Answer 24

* Control over Knowledge - As the primary source of learning, it could influence what information was taught and to whom.

• This control extended to both religious and everyday knowledge, giving the Church the power to shape people’s worldviews.

Question 25

What benefits did the church bring through educating people of the Middle Ages?

Answer 25

• Enabled individuals of high social class to acquire reading and writing skills and gain access to knowledge.
• Individuals learned about ethics, morality, and the importance of leading virtuous lives.
• Education often reinforced shared cultural and religious values, promoting social cohesion and unity within communities.

Question 26

Serf

Answer 26

A serf was a person in medieval Europe who was bound to work the land of a lord and was not free to leave the estate. Serfs were not slaves, but they had limited personal freedom and were part of the feudal hierarchy.

Question 27

Rural

Answer 27

Rural refers to areas or places in the countryside, often with lower population density, more open spaces, and a focus on agriculture or natural surroundings.

Question 28

Urban

Answer 28

Urban refers to areas or places in cities and towns, characterized by higher population density, more buildings, and greater commercial and social activity.

Question 29

Guilds

Answer 29

Guilds were associations of skilled craftsmen or merchants in medieval towns and cities. They worked to maintain high standards in their professions, protect their members’ interests, and regulate trade.

Question 30

Allegiance

Answer 30

Allegiance is a strong loyalty or commitment to a person, group, or cause. When you pledge allegiance, you promise your loyalty and support.

Question 31

Monarch

Answer 31

A monarch is a ruler, often a king or queen, who holds significant power over a country or territory, typically through hereditary succession.

Question 32

Hierarchy

Answer 32

Hierarchy is a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked in levels of importance or authority.

Question 33

Feudalism

Answer 33

Feudalism was a social and economic, poltical and social system in medieval Europe where land was exchanged for loyalty and service.