What led to the start of the middle ages
The fall of Western Rome
Who was at the top of the social class structure during the Middle Ages?
Pope/ Catholic Church
_____________was an economic system structured around the feudal manor, or the lord’s estate.
Manorialism
Why did the Catholic Church become powerful in Western Europe?
Majority of the population was Catholic
Had a great deal of wealth and land
Became influential and powerful due to lack of stability after the fall of Western Rome
Name two causes for the fall of Western Rome
Invasions and Capital and wealth moved to the eastern Roman Empire
This Feudal leader was placed at the top society under the Pope and Catholic Church. He made laws and owned all the land.
The King
Peasants and serfs performed this form of labor on the feudal manor (Lords estate)
Agriculture and Farming
Define Clergy
People with positions in the Catholic Church
Explain the historical context for the following document
The Roman Empire split into two halves. The Western half fell due to invasions. The Eastern half grew in wealth. This led to the beginning of the Middle Ages in Western Europe.
The King gave land to these wealthy aristocrats (landowners) they were known as vassals to the King. (What is their name?)
Lords
Define Manorialism?
was an economic system structured around the feudal manor, or the lord’s estate.
What powers did the Catholic Church gain during the early Middle Ages?
The Church had the power to decide who would be king in some regions and was able to raise an army to go to war.
What became to the new capital of the Roman Empire under Emperor Constantine's rule.
Constantinople (Modern day Istanbul, Turkey)
The Lords (Nobels) gave land to these soldiers. In return these soldiers would protect the lords during an invasion. (What is their name)
Knights
True or False: The Middle Ages was a time of prosperous trade in Western Europe.
False: Peasants produced most of everything they needed including food, clothing, tools and furniture. They did not need to trade with others for their basic needs.
Define Dictatus papae
a compilation of 27 statements about the powers of the pope.
Why did Feudalism develop in Western Europe.
To provide structure and security during a time period of constant invasions and no clear leader after the fall of Western Rome
These people worked the land for the knights and nobles. They provided food for society. In return, they received protection. (What is their name)
Peasants and serfs
True or false: Due to the fact that they were at the bottom of the social class system, Peasants and Serfs played an unimportant role in Medieval times.
False: Peasants and Serfs provided for almost everything (food, clothing, furniture, Ect.)
What was Canon Law
Canon law set out the rules that Catholics needed to follow and included topics like religious teachings accepted by the church, crimes, the role of the clergy, and marriage.