Introduction
Welcome to the Middle Ages! The Roman Empire has fallen and you have entered the Dark Ages of Europe. Civilization is in chaos as people fight for land and power. The roads are in disrepair, trade has been disrupted and people are worried (mostly about survival). The time from 500 AD - 1500 AD, is referred to as the Middle Ages. This time period bridges the gap between the culturally rich and dominating powerhouse called the Roman Empire and the modern era known as the Renaissance. As a historian it is your goal to explore the Middle Ages and see how it provides a transition between the ancient and modern worlds.
Task
This scavenger hunt is designed to introduce you to some basic facts and history about the Middle Ages. You, the discoverer, will be given a series of short answer questions which can be answered using the web links provided. As you explore the Middle Ages you will be drawn into a time unlike any other. Good Luck!
Process
Part I: Feudal System
The Middle Ages was organized into a feudal system. It started with the King and went down to the peasants and serfs. It involved land and power. Briefly describe each member of the feudal system. Click on the Knight of the Realm for more information on the Feudal System.
King -
Lords -
Peasants -
Define these terms:
Vassal -
Fief -
Serf -
Nobles owned land and usually a castle that needed to be kept in their control. The land and castle equaled power to the nobility.
What are two things about a castle that helped defend against an attack?
1.
2.
Part II: Life in the Middle Ages
Daily life in the middle ages was hard. Most people lived in the country but there were cities and towns. Food, clothing and education varied by class. There were three classes of people - Clergy, Nobles and Commoners.
How was life in the country different from life in a town or city?
What food did people eat?
How did clothing differ between rich and poor?
How were people educated?
Knights were usually the sons of a nobleman. It took years of training to be a knight. What was the process to become a knight at the following ages:
Age 7 they were trained as a ________________________
Age 16 they became a _____________________________
Age 20 they were dubbed a _________________________
Knights followed the practice of chivalry. What does this mean? (list 2)
1.
2.
Part III: The Power of the Church
The church played an important part in the life of everyone in the Middle Ages. Men who were dedicated to the church were called Monks. Because the church was so important large cathedrals were built. During the Middle Ages the church called for men of all classes (nobles, knights and peasants) to travel to war in a fight to recapture the city of Jerusalem. These wars were referred to as crusades.
Monks dedicated their life to three things (vows). Please list 2.
1.
2.
Describe two tasks monks did on a daily basis.
1.
2.
Cathedrals were usually built in a certain shape - what shape?
What three religions fought in the crusades?
1.
2.
3.
What new things did the crusaders bring back to Europe from the Arabs?
Part IV: The Vikings
The Middle Ages was a time of battles and fighting. During this time the Vikings from the north attacked and raided villages along the northern shoreline of Europe.
Where were the Vikings from? (what is the name of the countries today)
1.
2.
3.
Why did Vikings attack monasteries?
Part V: The Plague
The black death plague ---
How long did the plague last in Europe?
How was the plague carried or spread?
What did people do to try and prevent the disease from spreading?
How many people died from the plague?
Part VI: Torture
Torture was a popular form of punishment, intimidation and revenge in the Middle Ages. Describe briefly the forms of torture below.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully explored the Middle Ages. Once your scavenger hunt is completed please turn it in. You teacher is anxiously awaiting your results.
Credits
Sources of Information
Alchin, L. K. "Daily Life of a Monk." Lords and Ladies, 2017, www.lordsandladies.org/serfs.htm. Accessed 3 May 2019.
---. "Serf's Daily Life." Lords and Ladies, 2017, www.lordsandladies.org/serfs.htm. Accessed 3 May 2019.
Donn. "The Crusades." Middles Ages for Kids, medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/castles.html. Accessed 3 May 2019.
---. "Daily Life." Middles Ages for Kids, medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/castles.html. Accessed 3 May 2019.
---. "Medieval Castles." Middles Ages for Kids, medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/castles.html. Accessed 3 May 2019.
Infospace Holdings LLC. "10 Medieval Torture Devices." How Stuff Works: Culture, 2017, history.howstuffworks.com/10-medieval-torture-devices.htm. Accessed 3 May 2019.
Knight International. "Medieval Life." Camelot International: Britain's Heritage and History, 2007, www.camelotintl.com/village/street.html. Accessed 3 May 2019.
Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio. "Knights." The Middle Ages, 2008, westernreservepublicmedia.org/middleages/feud_knights.htm. Accessed 3 May 2019.
Technological Solutions, Inc. "The Black Death Plague." Middle Ages, 2017, www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/daily_life_in_the_middle_ages.php. Accessed 3 May 2019.
---. "Catholic Church and Cathedrals." Middle Ages, 2017, www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/daily_life_in_the_middle_ages.php. Accessed 3 May 2019.
---. "Daily Life." Middle Ages, 2017, www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/daily_life_in_the_middle_ages.php. Accessed 3 May 2019.
---. "Vikings." Middle Ages, 2017, www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/daily_life_in_the_middle_ages.php. Accessed 3 May 2019.