Feudalism and Medieval Warfare

Flashcards about feudalism, medieval castles, and warfare.

What was feudalism, and how did it affect society?

Feudalism was a system providing protection for loyalty. It made a social structure with the king, lords, vassals, and peasants.

Who were the lords, and what were their responsibilities?

Lords were wealthy nobles responsible for managing their fiefs, providing protection, and upholding the law.

What role did vassals play, and what were their obligations?

Vassals pledged loyalty for land and protection, with obligations like military service and paying dues.

How was the social hierarchy organized?

Hierarchy was a pyramid: King at the top, then Lords, followed by Vassals, and Peasants/Serfs at the bottom. Position was based on birth and land control.

What was a fief, and why was it important?

A fief was land given to nobles, forming wealth and power, which allowed lords to support themselves and vassals.

In what part of a castle did soldiers live?

Soldiers lived in the garrison of a castle.

What function did the gatehouse serve?

The gatehouse was a fortified structure over the gateway, offering a secure entry and defense.

What was the purpose of the portcullis?

The portcullis was the gate of a castle, controlling access and defending against attack.

Describe the garderobe and its function.

A garderobe was a toilet in a castle that opened onto the moat.

How was the drawbridge used for security?

The drawbridge was raised for security and lowered to allow forces to pass.

What was the motte, and what was its significance?

The motte was a raised area for a fortress, providing defense and observation.

What was the bailey, and what activities occurred there?

The bailey was the area below the motte, with barns, workshops, and stables.

Describe the structure of motte-and-bailey castles.

Motte-and-bailey castles had a motte and bailey with a timber palisade for basic defense.

Why were keeps built, and what advantages did they offer?

Keeps replaced wooden fortresses, offering protection against fire and attacks.

What were concentric castles, and how did they enhance defense?

Concentric castles had two outer walls, enhancing defense against attack.

What does it mean to plunder?

To plunder means to steal with violence, resulting in loss of property