Mixed
A deadly disease that spread through much of Europe during the Middle Ages. It is estimated that it killed at least one third of all the people in Europe.
The Black Death, or the Plague
A long war between England and France over land and money
The Hundred Years' War
A system of government where the king allotted land to his lords. The lords would then pledge their loyalty to the king and promise to protect his rule. Then, the lords hired serfs to work the land.
Feudal System
A warrior who rode a horse and wore heavy metal armour. They were rewarded with land and were required to protect the king when needed.
Knight
A man who devoted his life to God, living in a monastery where he prayed, studied, and copied manuscripts.
Monk
A ditch around a castle filled with water.
Moat
What is a pilgrimage?
A trip to a holy land for religious reasons
A peasant who worked the land for the local lord or Baron. They had few rights and were little better than a slave.
Serf
A tournament event where two knights on horseback charged at each other with lances, trying to knock their opponent off their horse. They were a popular form of entertainment during the Middle Ages.
Jousts
A woman who devoted her life to God and lived in a convent. They often taught children, cared for the sick, and prayed regularly.
Nun
A defensive fortification where a lord or king would live. The local people would flee to here if they were attacked.
Castle
The Norman ruler that won the Battle of Hastings
William the Conqueror
The top ruler in a monarchy.
King
This boy would take care of the knight's armour and weapons. He would also accompany the knight into battle. He was one step above a Page.
Squire
The top leader of the Catholic Church. There can only be one of these at a time.
Pope
A religious area or group of buildings where monks lived. They were isolated from the rest of the world so the monks could focus on worshiping God and copying manuscripts.
Monasteries
The Archbishop of Canterbury who lost his life because of his friend
Charles Beckett
A document forced upon King John of England by his barons. It said that the king was not above the law and that the people had the right to a fair trial.
Magna Carta
A young boy that acts as a servant for a knight while training to become a knight someday.
Page
Religious wars between the Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem.
Crusades
A military tactic where an army surrounds a castle or town to cut off supplies and force those inside to surrender.
Seige
The name for a group of craftsmen practicing the same trade (blacksmiths, shoemakers, etc.) who protect the trade and hold each other accountable.
A Guild.
Someone who pledges their allegiance to a lord.
The code by which knights pledged to live. It involved honour, being courageous, and protecting the weak.
Chivalry
A tax paid to the Church, usually one-tenth of a peasant’s income or crops.
Tithe