The Middle Ages Flashcards
What does feudalism mean
System of land ownership where rulers were divided land among their followers in return for loyalty and taxes.
How did the Middle Ages start?
After the fall of the Roman Empire.
What was a land given to
A fief.
Who was a vassal
Anyone getting land as a fief and in return for their loyalty.
Did you know that
Most peasants were tied to land meaning they were not allowed to leave without the kings permission .
Who divided the land among followers?
William the conqueror.
What did the king do to take control of fiefs quickly?
He would built a temporary castle called the motte and the Bailey.
What was a motte ?
Artificial hill, with a wooden tower or keep at the top.
The fief swore an ______________ promising to fight for him and provide him troops and pay taxes.
Oath of fealty.
What was below the hill of the castle?
There is a large enclosed area where the soldiers lived.
What are the key parts of a stone castle?
Curtain walls, keep, battlements, towers or turrets, gatehouse, drawbridge, moat, siege, catapult, siege.
What are curtain walls for ?
It protected those inside.
What was a keep for?
It was the main buildings in the wall, it held lords apartments, great hall and a chapel.
Why were windows narrow?
To keep heat and to defence easier.
What were battlements?
It ran along top of the keep and walls.
What were tower and turrets and what were they for?
They were built in walls at regular intervals.
What was a bailey?
An enclosed area around keeps
What was a drawbridge?
A bridge to allow people in, it was to control entry to the castle. It was raised at night if the castle was under attack.
What was a moat
Surrounded by deep ditch with water.
What was a siege?
Was when attacking army would surround the castle and try wait for them to run out of food.
What was a sling back then?
Catapult
Why were castles built?
To provide protection, land , provide shelter, and provide a place to live.
What did the lady give to the groom when they are getting married?
A dowry.
What was a woman’s main duty?
Bear children as heirs and to take care of the house.
Where did the Nobel family live in?
A sunny room called a solar.
Where was the feast held in?
The great hall
Where were spices transported from ?
Asia.
What were foot soldiers ?
Made up the largest part of the army, as they were peasants who would usually work in fields.
