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Questions and Answers
What was a primary distinction between medieval freemen and serfs?
What was a primary distinction between medieval freemen and serfs?
- Freemen had to serve in the military, whereas serfs were not allowed to bear arms.
- Freemen were exempt from paying taxes, while serfs had to pay a yearly tithe.
- Freemen could own property and move freely, while serfs were bound to the land. (correct)
- Freemen were required to work in the noble's castle, while serfs worked in the fields.
During the medieval period, what was the typical layout of a peasant village?
During the medieval period, what was the typical layout of a peasant village?
- Homes arranged around a communal village green. (correct)
- Scattered farmhouses spread out across a large area with no communal space.
- Homes built around a central market square.
- Homes built in a line along the main road.
Which of these activities was NOT a typical summer task for medieval peasants?
Which of these activities was NOT a typical summer task for medieval peasants?
- Planting crops like beans and peas. (correct)
- Shearing sheep.
- Weeding fields.
- Harvesting grain.
Which part of the medieval castle was typically located on the motte?
Which part of the medieval castle was typically located on the motte?
What was one responsibility often given to the wives or daughters of nobles in medieval times?
What was one responsibility often given to the wives or daughters of nobles in medieval times?
Flashcards
What were serfs?
What were serfs?
Peasants who were tied to the land and couldn't move freely or own property. They worked for the lord in exchange for protection.
What are the 'motte' and 'bailey' in a castle?
What are the 'motte' and 'bailey' in a castle?
Medieval castles often had a hill called the motte and a flat area beside it called the bailey.
How did Knights train for war?
How did Knights train for war?
Knights practiced combat skills in tournaments and jousts, which were contests of skill and strength.
What did peasants do for work?
What did peasants do for work?
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What was the purpose of the castle keep?
What was the purpose of the castle keep?
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Study Notes
Medieval Peasants
- European peasants were largely divided into freemen and serfs.
- Freemen paid the noble for land rights and had legal protections.
- Serfs were tied to a specific manor and lacked property rights or freedom to move.
- Serfs were not enslaved
- Nobles had to protect their serfs and their land.
- Serfs worked the lord's land and farmed their own.
- Serfs paid dues to the noble (e.g., use of the mill, bread oven, winepress).
- Freedom for serfs was possible by escaping to towns and living there for a year.
Medieval Manors
- Manors included a noble's castle, surrounding fields, and a peasant village.
- Castles were often built on a motte (hill) and a bailey (open space).
- Castle keeps housed tools, food.
- Ground floors contained kitchens and stables.
- The Great Hall was a common area for the lord and visitors.
Knight Training
- Knights trained through combat in tournaments and jousting events.
- Knights participated in jousting and other events.
- Knights were often away from their estates during times of war.
- Women often ran the estates when their husband was absent.
Peasant Farming/Work
- Peasants worked year-round, not only in the fields.
- Winter included planting beans, peas, barley, and oats.
- Summer involved weeding fields, shearing sheep, and harvesting crops.
- Livestock slaughter and meat preservation were part of their routine.
- Peasants tended to small gardens.
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