Kings and Power
Who had the final say: the King or the Pope?
They constantly fought for control, with the Pope using excommunication as a weapon to force monarchs to submit.
What did people eat?
Mostly pottage (a thick vegetable grain stew) and coarse bread; meat was rare for peasants and reserved for special occasions.
How common were massive battles?
Rare; battles were risky and expensive, so leaders preferred sieges and raiding enemy territory (chevauchée) to destroy resources without direct fighting.
How did trade happen without modern money?
Early on, people used a barter system, trading goods for goods (e.g., grain for a cow); eventually, silver and gold coins sparked a re-emerging "money economy".
How did someone become a knight?
It was a two-step apprenticeship: boys started as a page at age 7 (learning manners), then became a squire at 14 (learning combat) before being "dubbed."
What were the "two bodies" of a king?
The concept that a king has a mortal human body and an eternal royal office.
Did anyone drink water?
Rarely; water was often contaminated, so everyone (including children) drank ale or wine because the fermentation process made it safer.
Who made up the army?
Mostly infantry (peasants or townspeople serving as part of a feudal levy), though heavily armored knights were the most elite and visible force.
What was the "Silk Road
It was a massive network of trade routes connecting Europe to Asia, bringing exotic luxuries like silks, spices, and gems to Western markets.
What was Chivalry?
A code of conduct that required knights to be brave in battle, protect the weak, and remain loyal to their lord and the Church.
What were the "Two Bodies
Yes; if he became a tyrant, medieval law often justified rebellion to restore justice.
What was a "tithe
A mandatory 10% tax of all crops or earnings that every person had to give to the Church.
What was the biggest killer of soldiers?
Disease and infection; more men died from camp conditions like dysentery or "siege fever" than from actual combat wounds.
What were Guilds?
These were powerful professional associations that controlled specific trades (like blacksmithing or weaving) by setting quality standards and prices for their members.
What was "Courtly Love"?
A literary ideal where a knight performed brave deeds to honor a noble lady, often from a distance, to prove his character and devotion.
Was a medieval king actually "all-powerful
No; he relied on nobles for soldiers and money, making his power conditional.
How did they stay clean?
They didn't have soap as we know it; they used ash and wine to scrub teeth and washed clothes using stale urine for its ammonia.
How did they take a castle?
Primarily by starving the defenders out over months or using siege engines like trebuchets to break down walls.
What was the Hanseatic League?
A massive alliance of over 100 cities in Northern Europe that banded together to protect their merchant ships from pirates and monopolize trade in the Baltic Sea.
Why were Tournaments held?
They were essentially "war games" or mock battles that allowed knights to practice their skills, win prize money, and gain fame during peacetime.
How did the Magna Carta change the "rules" of power?
A treaty forcing the king to follow the law and seek consent before taxing.
How much did they work?
While the work was hard, peasants actually had up to 80+ feast days and holidays a year where no work was allowed
How did they tell friend from foe?
Since there were no standard uniforms, they used battle cries, distinctive banners, or specific symbols (like a cross) sewn onto their tunics.
Where did people go to shop?
Most did business at weekly local markets, but for rare items, they traveled to huge annual trade fairs like those in the Champagne region of France, which lasted for weeks. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
How did knights afford their gear?
They were part of the wealthy elite; a full set of armor, weapons, and specialized warhorses (destriers) cost the equivalent of a small fortune.