Medieval Europe

When and why did the Roman Empire fall?

The Roman Empire fell in 476 CE due to internal political corruption, economic troubles, military overspending, and barbarian invasions. This collapse led to instability and a loss of central authority in Europe.

How did the fall of the Roman Empire contribute to feudalism?

After the fall, people sought safety and stability. Local lords offered protection in exchange for service, creating a system of mutual obligation and beginning feudalism.

What was the feudal system hierarchy?

King > Nobles/Lords > Knights > Peasants/Serfs. Each level offered something in exchange for protection or land.

What was the role of peasants and serfs in feudal society?

They farmed the land and provided food and labor to the lords in exchange for protection. Serfs were bound to the land.

What was the role of knights in feudal society?

Knights protected lords' land and peasants. They were granted land (fiefs) in return for military service.

How was the relationship between lords and vassals/knights reciprocal?

Lords provided land and protection; knights gave military service and loyalty. Both benefited.

What were the main defensive features of a medieval castle?

Moat, curtain walls, gatehouse, battlements, drawbridge, and towers to protect from siege attacks.

What was siege warfare and how did it work?

Siege warfare surrounded a castle, cut off supplies, and used catapults, battering rams, or starvation to force surrender.

Why did Pope Urban II call for the First Crusade?

To reclaim the Holy Land (Jerusalem) from Muslim control and reduce internal conflicts in Europe.

What challenges did Crusaders face?

Long travel, diseases, lack of food and water, language barriers, and harsh climate.

How did the Crusades affect European society?

Increased trade, spread of knowledge from the Islamic world, weakened feudalism, and religious tensions.

How did Muslims contribute to Europe during the Crusades?

They introduced advancements in medicine, algebra, astronomy, and preserved ancient Greek philosophy.

What caused the Black Death?

Bacteria from fleas on rats spread through trade ships and unsanitary conditions.

How did the Black Death spread?

Fleas bit infected rats, then bit humans. Pneumonic plague spread through coughing. Unsanitary cities helped it spread quickly.

What were beliefs about the cause of the Black Death?

Many believed it was a punishment from God. Others blamed astrology or minorities like Jews.

What were the short-term effects of the Black Death?

Mass deaths, labor shortages, fear, and breakdown of social order.

What were the long-term impacts of the Black Death?

Collapse of the feudal system, peasants gained more power, and a rise in wages due to labor scarcity.

How did the Crusades and Black Death change power structures?

Crusades increased papal and noble power temporarily. Black Death weakened nobility, empowering peasants and middle class.

What was the role of religion in medieval Europe?

Religion influenced law, daily life, and politics. The Church had great power over people’s beliefs and education.

How did war and trade lead to cultural and technological exchange?

Crusades and trade with the Islamic world brought new ideas, goods, and technologies to Europe, advancing society.