Name___________________________ Period___________________
Middle Ages Review Guide
Fall of Rome
1.
Explain four reasons why Western Rome fell.
2.
Who invaded Rome? Give at least three specific names of tribes.
3.
Explain the meaning of this quote, “The mother of the world had been terminally ill for some time.”
4.
What happened to farming once Western Rome fell?
5.
What happened to education and literacy once Western Rome fell?
6.
What became the chief export of Western Rome?
7.
What did the Eastern part of the Roman Empire become known as?
8.
Why did Constantine call Constantinople the “New Rome?”
9.
Describe at least four characteristics of life in the Eastern Empire.
10.
How long did the Eastern Empire last after the Western fell?
11.
Who conquered the Eastern Empire?
Feudal System
1.
Why was the feudal system needed?
2.
Rank the members of the feudal system including clergy. You should have 5 in all.
3.
What was the role of the king in the feudal system?
4.
What was the role of the lords and vassals?
5.
What was the role of the clergy?
6.
During the Middle Ages what did a Christian believe he must do to get to Heaven?
7.
What was the role of the knights in the feudal system?
8.
What was the role of the serfs?
9.
What was a fief?
10.
What was a manor? Name four parts of a manor?
11.
Were there any positives for a serf in this system?
12.
How was one’s position in the feudal system established?
Black Plague
1.
How did the Black Death get its name?
2.
How long did most victims suffer?
3.
Describe three specific symptoms people had once they were infected by the plague.
4.
Describe three characteristics of Medieval Europe that allowed the plague to spread.
5.
Why were people fearful of the odors emitted by the plague victims?
6.
Describe at least three things people did to prevent themselves from getting the plague.
7.
Describe at least two things people did once they got the plague to keep themselves from dying.
8.
Describe psychological effects the plague had on the people of Europe.
9.
What does the Latin word “flagellan” mean?
10.
Why did the flagellants feel they needed to punish themselves?
11.
How do historians believe that the flagellants spread the plague?

12.
What group did the flagellants blame for spreading the plague? What did they do to these people?
13.
About how many Europeans died of this disease?
14.
From what part of the world do scientists think the plague originated?
15.
How did they believe this plague spread to Europe?
16.
Explain the role the flea and rat played in the plague.
17.
Explain how Ring Around the Rosies represented the plague (3 parts.)
18.
Why were people upset if family members did not receive a proper burial or an opportunity to confess their sins?
19.
What affect did the Black Plague have on feudalism?
Rise of Christianity
1.
Why was Christianity popular during the Middle Ages?
2.
Once Western Rome fell the only institution left standing was the ________.
3.
What role did monks play in converting the Germanic tribes?
4.
What was the first Germanic tribe to embrace Christianity?
5.
Who was the first Germanic king to embrace Christianity?
6.
How did Charles “The Hammer” Martel ensure that Western Europe would be
Christian?
7.
Why did the Pope crown Charlemagne king?
8.
What was a monastery?
9.
Complete this statement, “In the midst of chaos, monasteries were islands of
________________________________.”
10.
Who lived at the monasteries?
11.
What were the duties of a monk? Vows?
12.
Describe at least 4 things monasteries contributed to society.
13.
Name two parts of a monastery.
Crusades
1.
Define Crusade.
2.
Why was Palestine so important to the Christians of Europe?
3.
Explain 3 reasons the crusaders agreed to fight against the Muslims.
4.
In all, how many crusades were fought?
5.
Which crusade was the most successful and why?
6.
How did the crusades affect the feudal system?
7.
Explain 5 important effects of the Crusades.
8.
Why are the Crusades a great example of cultural diffusion?