Feudal System
Who was at the top of the feudal system?
The King
In the trial by ordeal system in the early medieval period, who did they believe decided guilt or innocence?
God
What was the Black Death?
A deadly disease (the bubonic plague) that spread across Europe and killed a large part of the population
What were the Crusades?
A series of religious wars
Name one weapon used in the early medieval period.
dagger or sword
What was the main thing the King gave to the lords (vassals) in the feudal system?
Land (a fief)
Describe one type of trial by ordeal used in the early medieval period.
Trial by fire: accused had to hold a hot iron or walk over hot metal. Their wounds were checked after a few days. If the wounds healed well, they were considered innocent, but if they became infected, they were considered guilty.
Trial by water: The accused was thrown into water. If they floated, they were believed to be rejected by the holy water and were considered guilty. If they sank, they were considered innocent.
Trial by combat: Two people, usually the accused and the accuser, fought in a duel. It was believed that God would help the innocent person win. The winner was declared innocent, and the loser was considered guilty.
How did the Black Death spread?
It spread through fleas on rats, which carried the disease to humans, often through trade and crowded towns
Which important city were Christians trying to take control of during the Crusades?
Jerusalem
What was the longbow used for in medieval warfare?
To attack enemies from long distances
What did lords give the king in return for land?
Loyalty and military support
What is a jury trial?
A jury trial is when a group of people (usually 12 men) listen to evidence and decide if someone is guilty or innocent
What happened to the population during the Black Death, and how did this affect workers?
A large number of people died, so the population decreased significantly. This meant there were fewer workers available, creating a labour shortage.
Who fought in the Crusades?
Christians from Europe and Muslims from the Middle East
What was a trebuchet used for?
To launch large rocks at castle walls during sieges to damage or destroy
What did the King give to the lords in the feudal system, besides land?
beside land (a fief) to the lords, they also gave power and authority to control the land and make decisions, as well as control over the peasants who lived on the land.
How did the justice system change from early medieval times to later medieval times?
It changed from trial by ordeal (based on belief) to jury trials (based on evidence and witnesses)
Explain how the Black Death changed the lives of peasants.
Because many people died, there were fewer workers available. This meant peasants were in higher demand and could ask for higher wages and better conditions. As a result, peasants gained more power and had improved living conditions
Give two reasons why people joined the Crusades.
Religious reasons (to fight for Christianity / gain forgiveness of sins)
Wealth or land
Adventure or travel
Loyal
How did gunpowder weapons change warfare in the later medieval period?
Gunpowder weapons, such as bombards, could destroy castle walls more easily. This made castles less effective and changed how wars were fought
Explain the relationship between lords and peasants. What did each group give and receive?
Peasants gave:
- labour by farming the land (attending to crops and animals)
- food and rent to the lords.
Lords provided peasants:
- protection and shelter.
This created a system where peasants relied on lords for safety, while lords depended on peasants for food and income.
Explain how the Magna Carta changed the justice system. What impact did it have?
-signed in 1215
-limited the power of the king
- introduced the idea that people had the right to a fair trial.
- Before this, justice was based on trial by ordeal, where guilt or innocence was decided through dangerous tests and religious belief.
- After the Magna Carta decisions were based on evidence and witness statements
- justice system became more fair and organised over time.
Explain how the Black Death impacted religion and caused medical advancements.
Religion:
- caused many people to lose faith in religion because the Church could not explain or stop the disease, even though people prayed for help.
- some people began to question the authority of the Church and traditional religious beliefs.
Medical advancements:
- doctors did not understand the cause of the disease and treatments were often ineffective.
- This highlighted the need for better medical knowledge, leading people to search for improved explanations and treatments for illness in the future.
- begin examining corpses
Explain why Jerusalem was important and why people fought to control it during the Crusades.
-Jerusalem was a holy city for Christians
- it was the place where Jesus was crucified and buried.
-it was important to Muslims as it is where they believe Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven
- making it a significant religious centre for both groups.
- Christians wanted to take control of Jerusalem to reclaim it as a holy site.
Explain why weapons changed over time in the medieval period- provide reasons
-advancements in technology and the need to defeat stronger castles and armies.
-Early weapons like swords and daggers were used for close combat
- later weapons such as longbows allowed for long-distance attacks and get through heavy armour
- Gunpowder weapons, like bombards, could break through castle walls do destroy armies