Medieval Europe

What event marked the beginning of the Middle Ages?

The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD.

Describe the feudal hierarchy from top to bottom.

King > Nobles/Lords > Knights > Peasants/Serfs.

What were two main features of a medieval castle?

Curtain walls and a gatehouse.

What was the primary cause of the Black Death?

The bacteria Yersinia pestis spread by fleas on rats.

Why did Pope Urban II call for the First Crusade?

To reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control and unite Christian Europe.

Give one long-term effect of the Crusades on Europe.

Increased trade between Europe and the Middle East.

What are three contributions of the Islamic Golden Age?

Algebra (math), hospitals (medicine), translation of Greek texts (philosophy).

How did the Black Death impact the feudal system?

It weakened the system as peasants demanded higher wages.

What does source reliability mean in historical analysis?

It refers to how trustworthy and accurate a source is.

What jobs did people in a medieval village have?

Farmers, blacksmiths, bakers, millers.

How were knights trained?

From childhood as pages and squires, learning combat and chivalry.

Name two siege tactics used in medieval warfare.

Starvation (siege) and using siege towers.

How did Christianity influence medieval society?

It shaped laws, education, and moral values.

What does a source’s perspective refer to?

The point of view or bias shown by the creator.

What was a social change caused by the Crusades or Black Death?

Greater power for peasants due to labor shortages.

What was a religious impact of the Black Death?

People lost faith in the Church or turned to extreme practices.

Define the term 'feudalism'.

A social system where land was exchanged for loyalty and service.

Explain one limitation of the feudal system.

It was rigid and didn’t allow social mobility.

Explain a strength of the feudal system.

It provided structure and security after the fall of Rome.