Medieval Manuscript Poem
Final Project for
Unit One: Europe During Medieval Times (Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6)
Directions: Create a Medieval Manuscript Poem that uses multiple perpectives to
summarize and analyze the major events of Medieval Europe.
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Use the word F*E*U*D*A*L as the anchor to an acrostic poem.
Illuminate each beginning letter.
Stanzas may range from 4-8 lines each.
Highlight all key words (e.g. boldface, italics, underline, different color, etc.).
Like the work of the medieval monks, the manuscript should be neatly
handwritten and show careful, focused work.
(F) Introduction: Describe the problems that Medieval Europe faced after the Fall of
the Roman Empire. Words: barbarians, Vikings, order, protection, Charlemagne
(example: For many years, once mighty Rome weakened as barbarians roamed its
lands. Viking war ships sailed down the Seine, attacking villages on the way…)
(E) Chapter 2: Development of Feudalism in Medieval Europe
You are a lord, a knight, or a peasant. How is your life influenced by your position in the
feudal hierarchy? Include the following words in your stanza: manor, fief, nobles,
chivalry, hierarchy, serfs, knights, lords.
(U) Chapter 3: Role of the Church in Medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire
You are a member of the either the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox clergy. What
are your beliefs? How does the church influence your life? Use the following words:
monastery, clergy, excommunicate, sacrament, relics, pope, priest, patriarch, icons,
liturgy, Rome, Constantinople
(D) Chapter 4: Life in Medieval towns
You are a merchant or a craftsman who has recently moved from the countryside to a
growing town. How has your life changed? Include Charter, guild, apprentice,
commerce, common law.
(A) Chapter 5: The Decline of Feudalism
You are a member of the English Parliament in the final years of feudalism. Describe
what changes led to this decline. Use Magna Carta, bubonic plague, Hundred Years’
War, Habeas Corpus, model parliament.
(L) Connect/Evaluate: How have the legacies of Medieval Europe shaped our own
lives today? Can you make any political, legal, social, or economic connections? Do you
think our lives are completely different, or do we face similar challenges, etc.?;’