Castles
What was the main purpose of a castle?
Defence, protection.
What weapon were knights commonly known to use?
Swords, lances
Who usually ruled a medieval kingdom?
A king or queen
: What was the main occupation of most medieval people?
Farming
What religion dominated medieval Western Europe?
Christianity
What was the deep ditch around a castle called?
A moat.
What did knights wear to protect their bodies?
Armour
What was a king's large fortified home often called?
A castle
What was a medieval village often centred around?
A church, manor or market.
What was the local Christian place of worship called?
Church
What was the strong central tower of a castle called?
The keep.
What was the code of behaviour expected of knights called?
Chivalry
What did a king give to a lord in exchange for loyalty and service?
Land
What was the manor?
The lord's estate, including land, buildings and the people who worked there.
Who was the head of the Western Church?
The Pope
What was a drawbridge used for?
To allow or prevent access across the moat.
What was a joust?
A competition where mounted knights charged at each other with lances.
What was a medieval king expected to provide for his kingdom?
Protection, leadership and justice.
What were peasants who were tied to the land and owed labour to a lord called?
serfs
Why was religion important in medieval people's lives?
It influenced beliefs, education, laws, celebrations and everyday life.
Why were castles often built on hills?
They were easier to defend and provided a good view of the surrounding area.
What are the two stages that a boy had to undertake before becoming a knight?
page, then a squire, before becoming a knight.
Why did medieval kings need the support of powerful nobles?
Nobles provided soldiers, resources and political support.
Why was life difficult for many medieval peasants?
Hard physical work, poor harvests, disease, hunger and limited medical knowledge.
What was a monastery?
A religious community where monks or nuns lived and worked.