Games and Entertainment were
important to help make everyday life
more exciting!
Everyday life in the Middle Ages was
filled with long, hard work. Games and
Entertainment provided a much needed
break for people!
People from every class of life were able
to take a break and enjoy games and
entertainment!
There were Upper Class Games
There were Lower Class Games
The difference was where the games
were being played.
Games for the upper class were played
indoors, inside the Castle or the Manor.
Why did they play their games inside?
If ones skin had a tan that meant they
were from a lower class.
 In Medieval Times in western Europe
the whiter your skin the wealthier you
were. Especially woman.
If games were outdoors woman carried a
parasol or it was under a canopy
Who were the Upper Class
Kings, Queens, Lords, Ladies, and other
Nobles
The members of the Upper Class liked
playing games …
Like Dice
Checkers
Backgammon
 Men’s games in the Middle Ages
especially in the upper class
involved betting money.
What was the most Popular Game
of the Middle Ages?
CHESS
Chess was only played by
Upperclassmen
 Chess is played on a board similar
to checkers
16 White Pieces
16 Black Pieces
1 King & Queen
2 Rooks
2 Bishops
2 Knights
8 Pawns
Chess emulated the medieval
societies social structure.
Hierarchy
What was the 2 most important
pieces of the set.
King & Queen
2 Bishops
2 Rooks
2 Knights
Are the next important pieces of the set
Lowest class are the Peasants and
the least import ant pieces are the
Pawns they are expendable and that
how they feel about the Peasant
The Object of the Game is for the
one King to defeat the other King.
CHECKMATE
The Game is won by a series of
strategic moves
Wealthier the King the more
elaborate , and costly the set.
The lower class played many games
that the upper class did not play
The lower class played their games
where?
OUTDOORS
The Lower class played many
outdoor games like….
HOCKEY
The Lower class played many
outdoor games like….
STICKBALL
The Lower class played many
outdoor games like….
SOCCER
The Lower class played many
outdoor games like….
GOLF
SKITTLES
Like Bowling
HORSESHOES
GAMEBALL
Like football
Archery
Wrestling
Hurling
Stool Ball
Something like Cricket
There were no stores to by these
games at so they were all hand
made
They needed to be entertained and
since they do not have TVs,
videogames , or the movies.
Games gave them entertainment.
Kept the Knights in fighting
condition , kept their skills sharp,
and in good physical shape for
Battle.
Knights often competed in
tournaments
Tournaments were real Fights , with
few rules .They became very Violent
Church had to step in and set rules to
keep people safe.
Hunting was popular with Knights.
Hunted Deer, Fox, Rabbits, Wolves
and boars
Tournaments were for all Classes
Nobles would sponsor the
tournament and put up the purse
for the winner
Knight competed in jousting , foot
fights, and horse fighting, the
winner received the prize.
Most popular of all the events
Involved 2 Knights on Horseback
carrying Lances
Object to stab and knock your
opponent off his steed.
Drew the biggest crowds from
nobles to serfs
These games kept Knights Sharp
and in shape.
Following the festival and
tournament was a Huge Banquet
celebrating the winning knight.
The chefs and cooks made huge
meals with tons of food and Drink.
During the Banquets Entertainers
roamed about to keep people
entertained
They provided enjoyment while the
people ate and drank during the
Banquets.
Mummers – they did not speak wore
masks & costumes but used hand
and facial expressions to entertain.
What we would call MIMES
Minstrels – were performers who
traveled to entertain sang ballads &
poems and played instruments,
often of myths & legends.
Troubadours – singers who sang of
love & chivalry , they told stories of
far away lands and history.
Jugglers - juggled objects to
entertain the crowds
Acrobats – walked tight ropes, did
flips, and other stunts.
And of course
The Jesters – who were like clowns
His soul purpose was to entertain
the Kings, Queens, and nobles
Their job was to make the nobility
laugh and keep the kings & queens
happy.