Determine Ordeal or Combat
Would fighting another person to prove your innocence be called a trial by ordeal or a trial by combat?
Trial by combat
Murder
Major
Medieval towns were quiet, small, calm, and safe.
False, they were noisy, smelly, crowded, and often unsafe.
Who did people believe would let the right party win in trial by combat?
God.
Would taking dangerous tests be a trial by ordeal or trial by combat?
Trial by ordeal
Highway robbery
Major
Pickpockets and thieves were always on the lookout for vulnerable travelers with money in their pouches.
True
Would putting your hand in boiling, scolding hot water to retrieve something be a trial by ordeal or trial by combat?
Trial by ordeal
Betraying one's country by attempting to overthrow its government or by aiding its enemies.
Major
There were no night watchmen patrolling the streets at night.
False, watchmen patrolled the streets at night with candle lanterns to deter, or discourage, criminals.
Who did people believe would let the right party win during a trial by combat?
God
Breaking forest laws
Minor
Throughout Europe, court trials based on written and oral evidence eventually replaced trials by ordeal or combat.
True
What is the meaning of a trial by ordeal and a trial by combat?
Trial by ordeal:Trial by ordeal subjected the accused to dangerous or painful physical tests. If the person healed quickly or survived, they were considered innocent
Trial by combat:Trial by combat required the accuser and the accused—or hired proxies called champions—to fight physically until one surrendered or died
Stealing livestock
Major
Priests began creating a nationwide system of royal courts in the early 1100s
False, kings did.