Feudal Order
This system based on granting land in exchange for military service and loyalty arose in Europe after the fall of Rome.
What is feudalism
This economic system centered on self-sufficient estates where peasants produced everything needed to live.
What is manorialism?
This Norman duke invaded England in 1066, defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings, and established a strong central government.
Who is William the Conqueror?
An independent country united under one central government and linked by a common language and culture.
What is a nation-state?
Sitting at the bottom of the feudal pyramid, these agricultural workers worked the land and had few rights
Who are peasants (or serfs)?
Unlike slaves, these farm laborers could not be bought or sold, but they were legally bound to their lord's land
Who are serfs?
These two Spanish rulers married in 1469, uniting the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile into a powerful nation-state.
Who are Ferdinand and Isabella?
As agricultural trade expanded and money replaced land barter, kings became wealthier because they could collect this from townspeople.
What is taxes?
A person who received a grant of land (a fief) from a lord in exchange for swearing an oath of loyalty
What is a vassal
In exchange for farming the lord's land and paying rent in crops, peasants received this essential benefit from the lord.
What is protection?
In 1547, Grand Prince Ivan IV of Moscow became the first ruler to hold this centralized title over all of Russia. He was called the...
What is tsar?
Daily Double: Wealthier monarchs in the Late Middle Ages used tax revenues to hire these, giving them an advantage over lords relying on noble knights.
What are professional Royal Armies?
Professional mounted soldiers followed this code of behavior, which required courage, loyalty, and courtesy toward women.
What is chivalry?
During the High Middle Ages, the growth of these allowed many peasants to save money, buy their freedom, or run away from manors.
What are towns (or cities)?
This deeply religious French king strengthened the central state by preventing corruption, defining duties of officials, and outlawing duels.
Who is Louis IX (Saint Louis)?
Grand Prince Vladimir I converted to this religion in 988, making it the state religion that helped unify early Russia. (Hint: Eastern nation)
What is Orthodox Christianity?
In the Early Middle Ages, these high-ranking landowners often amassed as much or more power than the king himself.
Who are lords (or nobles)?
This massive stone structure served as the lord's home, administrative center, and refuge for peasants during an attack.
What is a castle?
This aggressive court system was used by Spanish monarchs to root out heresy and force religious loyalty to Catholicism
What is the Inquisition?
In 800 CE, Pope Leo III crowned this Frankish king as Holy Roman Emperor, establishing the long-standing bond between Church and monarchial power.
Who is Charlemagne?