Kings and Queens
What is a monarch?
A king or queen who rules a kingdom.
What did lords provide in exchange for loyalty?
Protection and land (fiefs).
What was the role of the nobility in the Crusades?
They led armies and funded expeditions to reclaim the Holy Land.
Why was land important in feudalism?
It was the main source of wealth and power.
What is feudalism?
A social and economic system based on land and vassalage.
Who was the first king of Spain?
Ferdinand II of Aragon is often considered the de facto first king because his marriage to Isabella I of Castile unified the crowns of Castile and Aragon, creating a dynastic union that formed modern Spain. However, Charles I, the grandson of Ferdinand and Isabella, was the first to hold the formal title of King of Spain, as the kingdoms were not officially merged until later.
How did lords gain power?
Through landownership and military service.
How did the Magna Carta affect the nobility?
It limited the king's power and increased noble rights.
What is a fief?
A piece of land granted to a vassal by a lord.
Name the three main classes in feudal society.
Nobility, clergy, and peasants (serfs).
What role did a queen play in feudal society?
Queens could govern, manage estates, and influence politics.
What is a vassal?
A person who is granted land or protection by a lord in exchange for loyalty and service,
Who was El Cid?
A Castilian nobleman and military leader known for his role in the Reconquista.
How did nobles manage their lands?
Through vassals, serfs, and estate managers.
How did feudalism impact political stability?
It created a decentralized political structure with local governance.
Name a famous Spanish queen from the middle ages
Isabella I of Castile
Explain the concept of fealty.
A vassal's pledge of loyalty to a lord.
Explain the significance of the Black Death on the nobility.
It led to labor shortages, increased wages for peasants, and diminished the power of the nobility.
How did knights earn land?
Through military service and loyalty to their lord.
What were common conflicts in the feudal system?
Disputes over land, succession, and loyalty.
What responsibilities did a king have?
To protect the realm, manage laws, and oversee the nobility.
What was a common practice for vassals when a lord died?
Vassals would pledge loyalty to the lord's heir.
What led to the decline of noble power in the late Middle Ages?
The rise of centralized monarchies, the growth of towns, and changes in military technology.
What was often the main crop grown on a manor?
Wheat or barley.
How did the rise of cities impact feudalism?
Cities created a new middle class, diminishing the power of traditional feudal lords.