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BELLWORK. Read “Life in the Castle” pg. 117 and answer the following questions: What are some characteristics of a Medieval castle? What were the living conditions like in a castle? What is a castle’s main purpose?
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BELLWORK • Read “Life in the Castle” pg. 117 and answer the following questions: • What are some characteristics of a Medieval castle? • What were the living conditions like in a castle? • What is a castle’s main purpose? • THINKER: Today we will start learning about Medieval Europe. “Medieval” literally translates to middle age. What were the “Middle Ages” in the middle of? (HINT: pg. 113)
Feudalism • The people of Western Europe had no authority or government so they relied on a new political system called feudalism. • Feudalism: form of government that stresses the ties of mutual aid between kings and nobles. • Feudal relationships were like a pyramid King, Nobles/Lords, Knights, Peasants.
How Feudalism Works • Kings turned to nobles and granted them fiefs • Fief: land or estate with peasants • Nobles were then given government powers over the fiefs • In return, nobles used the income from fiefs to provide knights/warriors, horses, and battle equipment for the royal army. • The main idea of Feudalism is that the nobles and the king help each other out; their success is dependent on one another.
Life Under Feudalism • Since there was no central government, warfare occurred frequently. • To protect themselves, nobles built castles and implemented the Chivalry Code (knights should be brave, fair, trustworthy, defend Christianity, and treat women courteously) • Nobles/Lords: Total authority over fief collected rent from peasants, used justice/punishment, and fought anyone trying to take his fief. (Women had no rights) • Peasants: In return for protection, they farmed the land, paid taxes, and produced food for the nobles. • Serf: peasants bound to the manor; could only leave with permission
Coat of Arms Project • In Medieval Europe, Knights were warriors or soldiers that helped protect the king and nobles. • They wore heavy armor for protection and identified themselves with a coat of arms. • Coat of arms were individual designs painted on their shields that had relation to their family and heritage. • Nobles also used these to identify their family. • For this project you are going to create your own coat of arms.
Coat of Arms Project • For your coat of arms, I want you to create something that identifies your family, personality, hobbies, beliefs, etc. • There are no specific guidelines, but I want you to get into it! Be creative, expressive and unique! • On the back, you must write a one paragraph explanation of your coat of arms. • You will be graded on: • Creativity • Color • Description