Name:__________________________________6-____
Middle AGES & FEUDAL TIMES
The way of life that developed in the Middle Ages was
called feudalism. Feudalism was a useful way to organize
people for its time period. It helped to create order out of
the disorder that existed in Europe.
Under feudalism, people were divided into two
classes. The nobles and some of the men of the church made
up the upper class. The wealthiest of the upper class were
the landowners. Each landowner (lord) divided his land as he wished. Portions of the
land were given to vassals. In exchange for the land, each vassal promised to fight for the
lord. Land that was granted in this way was called feud or a fief.
The common people made up the lower class. This class included merchants,
laborers, and commoners. Most of the work in the feudal estate was performed by
laborers called serfs. In return for their work and dedication, the feudal lord would
defend the serfs from enemy attacks. Serfs had NO freedom. They belonged to the land
and worked for the master who owned the land.
PART A: TRUE or FALSE
1) ________ Under feudalism, all people had equal rights.
2) ________ Feudalism created an organized way of life in Europe.
3) ________ The main objective of a feudal lord was to protect his land and his people.
4) ________ Feudalism could be described as a form of government.
5) ________ Serfs could be sold as slaves.
6) ________ Under feudalism, people were divided into main two classes.
7) ________ Feudalism still exists today.
8) ________ Serfs were a part of the upper class.
9) ________ The way of life in the Middle Ages was called Feudalism.
10) ________ The wealthiest people were the landowners.
Castle Life
In many parts of Europe today, people can still find feudal castles built during
the Middle Ages. Many people wonder why they were built and what everyday
life was like in a castle.
Early castles were built of timber and earth, but later ones were built of stone.
Kings and lords built castles to serve as their homes and fortresses. From a
castle a lord could defend his lands. Usually the lord’s family, servants, and
priest lived in the castle. It was also home to knights who kept guard. Inside
the castle walls lived horses, pigs, and other animals. The castle household woke at daybreak. The lord and
lady awoke in the chambers and washed in cold water. The water was drawn from a well. Then they went to
pray in the chapel. In the winter, castles were extremely damp, cold, & drafty so servants would light fires in
the kitchen and the great hall. After praying, breakfast was served and consisted of bread with wine or ale.
Afterwards, work and chores were completed around the castle. Between 10:00am and noon, everyone ate a
huge dinner in the great hall. At dinner, people entertained the lord and lady’s household with music, songs,
jokes, & stories. If guests were visiting, the afternoon might include dancing and games. Hunting, especially
with falcons, was a popular activity. Supper was served late in the afternoon and the household went to bed at
dark (since there was not electricity). Candles and torches were used for light, but often caught fire.
PART C: Complete the questions
1) Why were castles built? _______________________________________
2) Where did people get water from? __________________________
3) When was dinner served? ______________________________
4) What was a popular activity? ______________________________
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