history europe

What were the Crusades?

A series of religious wars, mainly between Christian and Muslim forces, over control of holy places, especially Jerusalem.

When did the First Crusade begin?

1096, after Pope Urban II called for a crusade in 1095.

Why did people join the Crusades?

For religious reasons, to gain land or wealth, for adventure, or to fulfil promises made to the Church.

What was the main religious goal of the Crusades?

To gain or maintain Christian control of important holy places, especially Jerusalem.

Who was Pope Urban II?

The pope who called for the First Crusade in 1095.

What was the role of the Church in medieval Europe?

It provided religious guidance, ran monasteries and schools, helped the poor, and held major political and economic power.

Why was the Church powerful?

Most people were Christian, the Church owned land, collected tithes, and influenced kings and ordinary people.

What was a tithe?

A payment, traditionally around one-tenth of a person's income or produce, given to the Church.

What was feudalism?

A system in which land and loyalty connected kings, nobles, knights and peasants.

Who was at the top of the feudal system?

The king, who granted land to powerful nobles in exchange for loyalty and services.

What did nobles do?

They controlled land, managed their estates, provided soldiers and supported the king.

What did knights do?

They fought for their lords, trained for battle and were expected to follow a code of conduct.

What did peasants do?

They farmed the land, grew food and performed labour or paid dues to their lord.

What was a serf?

A peasant legally tied to a lord's estate who could not freely leave it.

What was a manor?

A lord's estate, including farmland, villages and other resources.

What was a fief?

Land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and services.

What was a vassal?

A person who owed loyalty and services to a more powerful lord in return for protection or land.

What was chivalry?

An ideal code of behaviour for knights, including bravery, loyalty and honour, although knights did not always follow it.

Why were castles built?

To defend important places, control land, protect people and display a lord's power.

What was a moat?

A ditch, sometimes filled with water, that made it harder for attackers to reach a castle.

What was a drawbridge?

A bridge that could be raised to block access to a castle.

What was a keep?

The strongest main tower of a castle, used for defence and sometimes as a residence.

What was one major legacy of medieval Europe?

The development of universities, Gothic architecture, parliaments and legal traditions.

What was one consequence of the Crusades?

They increased contact between Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, encouraged trade and cultural exchange, and also caused widespread violence and religious hostility.