Year 7 Term 1 PDF

Year 7 KS3 Booklet NAME:_____________________ CLASS:_____________________ Prepared By: Mariam Elshazly  Roman Empire What you need to know! Vocabulary to know Origins of the Roman Empire...

Year 7 KS3 Booklet NAME:_____________________ CLASS:_____________________ Prepared By: Mariam Elshazly  Roman Empire What you need to know! Vocabulary to know Origins of the Roman Empire Carthage Rulers of Ancient Rome Plebiscites Expansion of the Roman Empire Senate Rise of the Roman Empire Assembly Rise of Christainity Legions Fall And Legacy Of The Roman Empire Emperor Roman Empire's inventions and innovations Origins of the Roman Empire According to Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro, Rome was founded in April 753 BC. It grew from settlements that were clustered around the River Tiber. FUN FACT!! The Myth of Romulus and Remus was the Roman explanation for the creation of Rome. Romulus and Remus, two quarrelsome brothers who were raised by a wolf, could not agree on where to build a new city, so they consulted the birds to see which brother had the right idea. According to the myth Romulus won and built the city of Rome, which was named The statue of the Capitoline Wolf depicts the after him. myth of Romulus and Remus Early inhabitants and Conflict In ancient times, Rome's early inhabitants were a mix of people from Latin and Sabine tribes. Over time, they formed alliances with other cities, leading to the emergence of what we now recognize as modern-day Italy. By the 3rd century BC, Carthage posed as Rome's most formidable rival. Between 264 BC and 146 BC, Rome engaged in three conflicts with Carthage, famously known as the Punic Wars. These wars resulted in Rome gaining control over Carthage's territories in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and southern Europe. 1  By 58 BC, Rome had expanded its empire extensively, encompassing regions from the deserts of North Africa and Syria to Portugal. These lands beyond Rome's immediate borders were termed as provinces, each governed by Roman law. Who ruled Ancient Rome? Rome initially had kings ruling from its foundation until 509 BC, when King Tarquinius Superbus was overthrown. Afterward, Rome became a republic, governed by several key institutions: Two consuls who jointly governed the country and led the military. The Senate, whose members were chosen by the consuls, managed finances and foreign policy. Various assemblies in the Roman Republic were: o The Comitia Centuriata, comprised of soldiers, elected officials and passed laws. o The Comitia Tributa, involving all Roman citizens, enacted laws and elected officials. o The Concilium Plebis, representing plebeians, could pass plebiscites (laws) and elect tribunes. Tribunes safeguarded plebeian interests, with authority to block unfair laws proposed by consuls. Key Roman Rulers King Tarquinius Superbus Julius Caesar (On the Right) Emperor Augustus Emperor Claudius The role of the emperor Following the end of the Roman republic, in the Roman Empire, power was held by the emperor. His roles were head of the Senate head of the army Pontifex Maximus - as the chief high priest he acted as the head of Roman religion 2 The Senate and the Assembly In ancient Rome, groups like the Senate and assembly mainly gave advice to help the emperor govern the empire. The emperor controlled the strong Roman army and ruled over lands called provinces that Rome had conquered. What could the senate do? Had less power than the emperor, he couldn’t make decisions alone. Senators were chosen by the emperor after being elected by Roman citizens to roles like magistrate They carried out the emperor's laws and managed law and order in Rome. The expansion of the Roman Empire As the Roman Empire grew, the emperor needed more money. This money came from taxes collected from the provinces, which made Rome very rich. The taxes were used to pay for the army, build roads, and keep the empire running smoothly which helped them stay wealthy and powerful. The Roman army When conquering new lands, the Romans often met fierce opposition. However, the Roman army was highly trained and well-equipped. How was the army divided? Into legions of between 5,000 and 6,000 men. Each legion was split into smaller groups of around 80 to 100 men, known as cohorts or centuria. This organization meant everyone knew their role and what was expected of them, making the Roman army very effective. When they took over new land, the Romans also captured people and enslaved them. 3  Rise of the Roman Empire At its peak, the Roman Empire was the most powerful political and social structure in western history. By 285 CE, the empire had become too large to be governed from Rome's central authority, so it was separated into a Western and an Eastern Empire. Gaius Octavian Thurinus, who was Julius Caesar's nephew and heir, became the first emperor of Rome and took the name Augustus Caesar after the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. Even though people often call Julius Caesar the first emperor of Rome, this is not true. He was never an emperor but held the title of dictator because he had complete control of the army and government. The Senate gave Augustus the title of emperor because he defeated Rome's enemies and brought stability back to the empire. Who is Augustus Caesar? Augustus was the emperor of the Roman Empire from 31 BCE until he died in 14 CE. During his rule, Augustus "found Rome a city of clay but left it a city of marble." He reformed the cities and the empire's laws, secured Rome's borders, started massive building projects, and ensured the empire's reputation as one of the greatest political and cultural powers in history. He launched the Pax Romana (Roman Peace), also known as the Pax Augusta, a period of peace and prosperity that lasted almost 200 years. 4  After Augustus' death, authority passed to his heir, Tiberius, who continued many of Augustus' initiatives but lacked his strength of character and vision. The emperors that followed, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, more or less continued this pattern. The Julio-Claudian Dynasty is named after the two family names, Julius and Claudius, from whom they descended either by birth or adoption. Although Caligula is known for his depravity and seeming madness, his early leadership was commendable, as was that of his successor, Claudius, who increased Rome's strength and territory in Britain. Nero's reign was less commendable. Both Caligula and Claudius were assassinated while in power (Caligula by his Praetorian Guard and Claudius, apparently, by his wife). Nero's assassination ended the Julio-Claudian Dynasty and started the Year of the Four Emperors, a time of social unrest. Who were the four emperors? After Nero's assassination in 68 CE, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian were the Four Emperors. Galba became emperor in 69 CE but was quickly deemed unsuitable and was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard. Otho succeeded him but faced a civil war against General Vitellius, which led to Otho's suicide and Vitellius becoming emperor. Vitellius also proved unfit to rule, focusing more on lavish entertainments than his responsibilities. General Vespasian was declared emperor by his legions, who then marched on Rome. Vitellius was assassinated by Vespasian's men, and Vespasian took the throne exactly one year after Galba. 5  Vespasian started the Flavian Dynasty, known for major construction projects, economic success, and expanding the empire. He began building the Colosseum, which his son Titus completed. During Titus' rule, Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, burying Pompeii and Herculaneum. Titus also handled a great fire in Rome in 80 CE but died of a fever in 81 CE. His brother Domitian then became emperor. Domitian improved the economy, secured borders, repaired fire damage, and continued building projects. However, the Senate disliked his strict rule, and he was assassinated in 96 CE. Rise of Christianity In 312 CE, Constantine defeated Maxentius and became the sole emperor of the Roman Empire. He ruled from 306 to 337 CE, with supreme power from 324 CE. Key Reforms: The new Christian God was for o Edict of Milan (313 CE): Granted everyone, unlike old gods linked to religious freedom to Christians. specific places. This changed Rome's o First Council of Nicaea (325 CE): state religion, which used rituals to support government power. Theodosius Clarified Christian beliefs. I focused on promoting Christianity, possibly neglecting other duties as Preceding Constantine: emperor. He was the last emperor to rule both the Eastern and Western Titus: Managed the 80 CE fire in Rome. Empires. Domitian (81–96 CE): Improved the economy but was later assassinated. Constantine's achievements: Reformed currency and military. Founded Constantinople (modern Istanbul). Title: "Constantine the Great." Aftermath: o His sons inherited the empire but faced rivalries. Constantine the Great's Sons: Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans fought over power after their father’s death. Outcome: Constantine II and Constans were killed in conflicts. Julian: Chosen by Constantius II as successor, reigned from 361 to 363 CE, and aimed to restore Rome’s former glory through reforms. 6  Julian: The last pagan emperor of Rome and a Neo- Platonic philosopher. Opposition to Christianity: Blamed Christianity for weakening the empire and removed Christians from government and military roles. Death: Died in battle against the Persians, ending Constantine’s dynasty. Legacy: Known as "Julian the Apostate" for his strong opposition to Christianity. After Jovian briefly ruled and reinstated Christianity as the state religion while reversing Julian's policies, Theodosius I continued with similar reforms. He prohibited pagan worship, closed pagan schools and temples, and converted many temples into Christian churches, declaring Christianity as Rome’s official religion. A notable event was the closure of the Academy of Plato. These actions stirred controversy among both the Roman elite and the general populace, disrupting the traditional pagan beliefs and practices that had long been integral to Roman social and religious life. Fall and Legacy of the Roman Empire The Gothic Wars (376–382 CE) involved conflicts between Rome and the invading Goths, with the Battle of Adrianople on August 9, 378 CE, being a critical defeat for Emperor Valens and a key event in the Western Roman Empire's decline. Edward Gibbon later argued that Christianity played a significant role in this downfall by undermining traditional pagan values. Earlier, in 418 CE, theologian Orosius had blamed pagan practices for Rome’s collapse. Contributing factors to the empire's fall included: Political Instability: Difficulty in governing the vast empire, particularly the lack of mutual support between the Eastern and Western halves. Barbarian Invasions: Repeated attacks by Germanic tribes and the Huns. Corruption: Rampant corruption among provincial governors. Economic Issues: Currency debasement leading to inflation, high unemployment, and reliance on slave labor. Military Weakness: Reliance on barbarian mercenaries and ineffective border defense. The Western Roman Empire officially fell on September 4, 476 CE, when King Odoacer deposed Emperor Romulus Augustulus. The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, continued until 1453 CE. Later, the Holy Roman Empire emerged but was distinct from the ancient Roman Empire. 7  Roman Empire's inventions and innovations The Roman Empire's innovations and inventions had a lasting impact on ancient societies and continue to influence the modern world. Key Roman contributions include: Construction: Advanced techniques in road building, building construction, indoor plumbing, and aqueducts. Materials: Development of fast-drying cement. Calendar: Julius Caesar's Western calendar and naming of days and months. Consumer Rights: Early practice of returning defective or unwanted purchases. Daily Life: Introduction of shoes, a postal system, cosmetics, the magnifying glass, and satire in literature. Infrastructure: Development of apartment complexes, public bathrooms, locks and keys, newspapers, and socks. Medicine and Law: Significant advancements in medicine, legal systems, and military strategies. The Romans were skilled at adopting and improving upon ideas from other cultures they encountered. Determining which innovations were entirely original versus improvements is complex, but the Roman Empire’s legacy undeniably shapes modern lifestyles and societal structures. 8 Answer the following Questions as followed: A) State whether the statement is true and false: According to Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro, Rome was founded in April 753 BC. The Punic Wars were a series of conflicts between Rome and Carthage that occurred between 264 BC and 146 BC. The Roman Empire's innovations included the development of fast- drying cement and a postal system. Constantine the Great, after defeating Maxentius, made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. The Roman emperor had less power than the Senate and could not make decisions alone. B) Critical Thinking: 1. Why was the transition from monarchy to republic significant in Roman history? How did it impact Roman governance? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Reflect on the legacy of the Roman Empire. In what ways have Roman achievements influenced modern society? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 9  3. Evaluate the contributions of Roman innovations such as roads, aqueducts, and the Julian calendar to their empire. How did these advancements contribute to Roman success? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ C) Identify the following and their accomplishments: Marcus Terentius Varro Julian Vitellius Augustus Caesar 10  Gaius Octavian Thurinus D) Answer the following question as a short essay: Who were the four emperors and why were they significant during their time? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ 11  Silk Road What you need to know! Vocabulary to know! Royal Road Dynasty History of the Silk Road Seres Routes of the Silk Road Silk road Silk Road as an economic belt Royal road Silk Road Spices The Silk Road was a series of trade routes that connected China and the Far East to the Middle East and Europe. It started when China’s Han Dynasty began trading with the West in 130 BC, and it was used until 1453 AD when the Ottoman Empire stopped trading with China and closed the routes. Even though the Silk Road hasn't been used for international trade for almost 600 years, it still has a lasting influence on commerce, culture, and history today. 12 Royal Road During the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD), the Silk Road officially began trading between the Far East and Europe. In 138 BC, Han Emperor Wu sent envoy Zhang Qian to Central Asia, whose reports provided valuable insights into Western cultures. Despite this, trade routes existed long before the Silk Road. Silk Road: o Officially began during the Han Dynasty. o Zhang Qian's mission in 138 BC provided key information about Western regions. Prior to the Silk Road, the Royal Road, built by Persian ruler Darius I around 500 BC, was a major trade route. It spanned 1,600 miles from Susa (Iran) to Sardis (Turkey) and connected various regions including Mesopotamia, the Indian subcontinent, and Egypt. This road was crucial for Alexander the Great’s expansion and later became part of the Silk Road. Royal Road: o Built by Darius I around 500 BC. o Stretched 1,600 miles from Susa to Sardis. o Linked Mesopotamia, the Indian subcontinent, and Egypt. o Used by Alexander the Great and later integrated into the Silk Road. 13 History of the Silk Road In the first and second centuries BC, trade routes between Greece and China started to form. Both the Roman Empire and the Kushan Empire (which controlled parts of what is now northern India) gained from the trade that took place along the Silk Road. Even though the Silk Road was an important trade network, the term “Silk Road” wasn’t used until 1877, when a German geographer named Ferdinand von Richthofen first coined it. Today, historians prefer to use the term "Silk Routes" to better reflect that there were multiple trade routes. The more you know! The ancient Greeks called China "Seres," which means "land of silk." Routes of the Silk Road The Silk Road was an extensive network of trading posts, markets, and roads facilitating the movement, exchange, and storage of goods. Key routes included: Antioch: o Connected to Ctesiphon (Parthian Empire capital) and Seleucia on the Tigris River (modern Iraq). o Routes passed through the Syrian Desert and Palmyra. Seleucia: o Routes extended east through the Zagros Mountains to Ecbatana (Iran) and Merv (Turkmenistan). o Continued to Afghanistan and Mongolia. Persian Gulf Ports: o Connected to the Silk Road. o Goods were transported up the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Mediterranean Sea Ports: o Linked to the Silk Road. o Products were shipped to cities across the Roman Empire and into Europe. 14 The Silk Road was crucial for exploring Far Eastern cultures. Marco Polo traveled the Silk Road from Italy to China in 1275, reaching Kublai Khan's palace, Xanadu. He spent 24 years in Asia, returned to Venice in 1295, and wrote "The Travels of Marco Polo," which educated Europeans about Asian trade and culture. Marco Polo: o Traveled from Italy to China in 1275. o Reached Xanadu, Kublai Khan’s palace. o Spent 24 years in Asia. o Returned to Venice in 1295. o Wrote "The Travels of Marco Polo". Economic Belt The Silk Road was not just about silk; it facilitated the trade of various goods and ideas between East and West. Items traded included fruits, vegetables, livestock, grain, leather, tools, religious artifacts, artwork, and precious stones. Significant exchanges also involved ideas, such as language, culture, religious beliefs, philosophy, and science. Key Trade Items: o Paper: Invented in China during the Han Dynasty (3rd century BC). Spread to Samarkand by 700 AD and later to Europe through Islamic ports. o Gunpowder: Also invented by the Chinese and traded along the Silk Road. 15 The introduction of paper to Europe led to major changes in communication and industry. Gutenberg’s printing press later revolutionized book production, significantly enhancing the spread of information. Impact of Paper: o Enabled widespread written communication. o Led to the development of Gutenberg’s printing press, revolutionizing the production of books and newspapers. Spices The Silk Road facilitated the exchange of various goods and technologies between East and West. Eastern spices became popular in European cuisine, while glass-making techniques spread from the Islamic world to China. Although fireworks and firearms appeared in China as early as the 600s, the exact origins of gunpowder are unclear. Historians believe gunpowder was introduced to Europe via the Silk Road and was refined for use in cannons by the 1300s. This innovation significantly impacted European warfare, providing those who had access to it with major advantages. Silk Road Exchanges: o Spices: Eastern spices transformed European cuisine. o Glass-making: Techniques spread from the Islamic world to China. Gunpowder: o Originated in China, with early mentions in the 600s. o Introduced to Europe via the Silk Road. o Refined for use in cannons in the 1300s. o Revolutionized European warfare, providing strategic advantages. 16 Answer the following Questions as followed: A) Write a short essay: Imagine you are a merchant traveling along the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty. Describe three goods you would trade and their significance to both Eastern and Western civilizations. Explain how these goods might have impacted cultures along the route. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ B) Use your research skills to: Research one technological innovation that originated in China and spread along the Silk Road. Prepare a presentation describing the innovation, its impact on trade and cultural exchanges, and how it influenced societies outside of China. C) Use the provided map to trace the routes of the Silk Road across Asia and into Europe. Label at least five key cities or regions along the route and explain their significance as trade hubs during the Silk Road era. 17 D) Answer the Following as short answers: 1. Who was Marco Polo, and why is he significant in the context of the Silk Road? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Why was the term "Silk Routes" preferred by historians over "Silk Road"? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. What factors contributed to the decline of the Silk Road as a major trade route? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 4. How did the introduction of paper impact both Eastern and Western civilizations? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 18  Feudalism What you need to Know! Vocabulary to Know! Feudalism origin and nature Feudalism Feudalism structure Serfs End of feudalism Feality Role of the church Medieval peasantry The nature and origin of Feudalism Feudalism arose in Western Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire, as Germanic kingdoms vied for supremacy. The Franks, among them, appointed dukes and counts to govern regions, yet faced constant threats from Viking, Arab, and Magyar invasions. Internal conflicts within the Frankish royal family further destabilized the region, paving the way for feudalism. This system decentralized power, with local lords assuming responsibility for governing and defending their lands. 19  Feudal Structure in Western Europe: o King's Authority: ▪ Kings owned vast swathes of land and distributed fiefs to nobles and knights in exchange for loyalty and military service. ▪ They wielded centralized authority but often contended with the power of influential lords. Social Hierarchy: Feudal society was structured hierarchically: o Nobles and Lords: ▪ Managed estates granted by the king, overseeing justice and providing military support. ▪ Held considerable wealth and social status derived from land ownership. o Knights: ▪ Granted land (knight's fees) and served as skilled warriors, embodying chivalric ideals and participating in tournaments. o Peasants or Serfs: ▪ Worked the land under the protection of lords, providing labor and goods in exchange for security and the right to reside on the land. William the Conqueror played a pivotal role in England's feudal system during the 11th century. After ascending to the throne, William asserted control over all English land. He retained a portion for personal use and allocated significant holdings to the Church. Ceremonial rituals accompanied the granting of land to barons, who swore lifelong allegiance to the king. This oath of loyalty extended from barons to their knights, solidifying a structured hierarchy of allegiance across feudal society. This feudal structure, characterized by mutual obligations and hierarchical relationships, profoundly influenced the social, economic, and political landscape of medieval Europe for centuries to come. 20 Feudalism structure King's Land: o The king owned all the land in England, keeping some for himself. Land Distribution: o About a quarter (25%) went to the Church, managed by bishops. o The rest was given to barons who helped the king in battles. Barons: o Barons were important nobles who received land directly from the king. o They granted land to knights who served in the king's army. Knights and Peasants: o Knights received land from barons and were trained soldiers. o Peasants worked the land and paid rent to barons for protection. 21 This feudal system organized by William the Conqueror shaped medieval England, with different levels of society having specific roles and responsibilities. In medieval England, FitzGilbert, the half-brother of William the Conqueror, was granted extensive lands in Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Surrey. In exchange for these territories, he swore an oath to provide the king with sixty knights. This allegiance earned him the prestigious title of the Earl of Clare. Before receiving such a fief, individuals underwent a vassal ceremony, which included: Act of Homage: A formal pledge of loyalty and military service from the vassal to the lord. Oath of Fealty: A vow of fidelity from the vassal to their lord, affirming their loyalty. These ceremonies were essential in formalizing the feudal relationship between lords and vassals, establishing mutual obligations of military service and protection that defined medieval English society. Manors in medieval Europe were distinguished by several key characteristics: They were self-sufficient, capable of meeting their own needs for food, clothing, and other essentials. They supported an extensive labor force, including serfs who worked the land. Manors engaged in unified political and economic activities, often under the governance of the lord. 22 A typical manor was organized into three main parts: Demesne Land: Controlled directly by the lord, this land was cultivated for the lord's benefit. Dependent Land: Operated by serfs who performed labor obligations to the lord in exchange for protection and use of the land. Free Lands: Rented by free peasants known as yeomen, who paid rent and provided services to the lord but enjoyed more autonomy than serfs. These divisions within the manor system facilitated agricultural production and economic stability during the medieval period. Serfs working on dependent land in medieval manors were bound to their status from birth, inheriting not only their social position but also obligations and land tied to the manor. They lacked the freedom to leave or marry without the lord's permission and typically had to pay fines or taxes to gain approval for marriage. This system ensured serfs remained under the control of the lord, maintaining stability and agricultural productivity within the feudal hierarchy. 23 End of feudalism Feudalism, a system that dominated medieval Europe for centuries, started to decline due to several key events: Magna Carta (1215): Signed by King John I of England, the Magna Carta limited the king's power and increased the rights of nobles. This reduced the control monarchs had over land and weakened feudal relationships. The Black Death (Bubonic Plague): Sweeping through Europe in the 1300s, the Black Death killed about a third of England's population. This massive loss of people led to a shortage of labor, making workers more valuable and giving them greater freedom to demand better conditions. Introduction of Scutage: Instead of military service, wealthy nobles and knights could pay scutage, a form of money, to avoid fighting for the king. This change lessened the need for feudal obligations and allowed kings to hire mercenaries for military campaigns. The Crusades: Launched by Pope Urban II, the Crusades prompted many Europeans to seek wealth and adventure in foreign lands. This shift diverted attention and resources away from traditional feudal duties in Europe, while also opening up new trade routes that enriched England. These events gradually weakened the feudal system by challenging old ways of governing and working, leading to significant changes in medieval European society. 24 Role of the Church In 391 AD, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, marking its rapid spread across Europe and eventual dominance as one of the continent's most powerful institutions. Church Hierarchy and Influence: o During the Medieval Period, the Catholic Church operated with a hierarchical structure akin to feudalism, where its leaders were esteemed as the most knowledgeable figures in society. o They wielded authority over spiritual matters, politics, military affairs, finances, and justice. Political Dominance: o By the 10th century, the Catholic Church had established supremacy over secular authorities, with the Pope from the Vatican having the authority to appoint and depose kings across Western Europe. o Opposition to the Church's doctrines could result in severe penalties such as excommunication or death for heresy, applicable even to monarchs and nobles. Economic Power and Land Ownership: o Throughout the Middle Ages, the Church expanded its wealth through the donation of land by nobles, facilitated through indulgences. o By the era's end, the Church owned nearly one-third of all land in Europe, greatly enhancing its political influence. 25  o Monasteries, strategically located in urban centers and rural areas, amassed vast estates and property holdings, further consolidating the Church's economic power. Under Pope Innocent III's reign, the papacy reached the pinnacle of the feudal hierarchy, with the act of homage becoming intertwined with Christian rituals, symbolizing the Church's spiritual and political authority over medieval society. MEDIEVAL PEASANTRY During the Medieval period, peasants formed the backbone of agricultural labor across Europe, primarily working on the extensive lands owned by lords, which placed them at the lowest tier of the social hierarchy for their entire lives. In addition to farming, some peasants diversified their livelihoods by engaging in trades such as milling and running taverns within their local communities. Land Tenure and Taxes: Many peasant farmers leased land and paid taxes to both their lord and the king. The majority were serfs, bound to the land with restricted freedoms, while a minority enjoyed freeman status. Clothing: Peasants typically wore rough wool or linen garments, often possessing only one set of clothing that was rarely washed. Women favored long dresses, while men wore tunics paired with woolen stockings. Common colors included brown, red, and gray, and both genders donned clogs made of thick leather. Contribution to Economy: Beyond their labor in agriculture, peasant farmers played a crucial role in supplying lords with agricultural products, thereby supporting local economies and fulfilling their obligations to their feudal lords. Peasant life during the medieval era was characterized by hard work, limited personal freedoms, and a deep-seated attachment to the land and their feudal obligations. 26 The Hierarchy of Medieval Peasantry These different classes of peasants had varying degrees of autonomy, rights to land, and social status within the feudal system of Medieval Europe. Yeomen: Yeomen were the highest class among medieval peasants. They typically owned at least 100 acres of land or more. Yeomen could take up arms in defense of their lord's interests and were often appointed by the crown for civic duties. Some yeomen served as guards for the nobility, and a few were even appointed as sheriffs and chief constables. Free Peasants: Unlike serfs and villeins, free peasants were not owned by any lord. While some worked on manors, they had the freedom to move between lands without requiring the lord's permission. They enjoyed more personal freedom compared to lower-class peasants. Villeins: Villeins were tenant farmers who occupied a position between serfs and free peasants. Like serfs, they worked on the lord's land and could be bought and sold. However, villeins had the opportunity to own some property, distinguishing them from serfs in this aspect. Serfs: These were the poorest among peasants. They had no land of their own and were entirely under the control of lords. Serfs could be bought and sold along with the land they worked on. They received minimal payment for their labor on the lord's land. 27 Answer the following Questions as followed: A) Match the following terms with their descriptions: ______. Act of Homage A. Document limiting the king's power ______. Yeomen B. A vow of fidelity affirming loyalty to a lord ______. Oath of Fealty C. A formal pledge of loyalty and military service ______. Magna Carta D. Highest class of medieval peasants B) Discuss the following questions as a group: 1. Discuss whether the decline of feudalism was primarily caused by external factors (like the Black Death) or internal changes (like the Magna Carta) 2. Debate the role of the Church in medieval Europe: Was its influence positive or negative? C) Fill in the blank of the following questions: 1. The Magna Carta, signed in __________, limited the king's power and increased the rights of nobles. 2. Peasants typically wore rough __________ or linen garments during the medieval period. 3. __________ were the highest class among medieval peasants, often serving as guards for the nobility. 28 D) Solve the following as short answers: 1. Describe the social hierarchy in feudal society. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Explain the impact of the Black Death on feudalism. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. What were the main responsibilities of knights in feudal Europe? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ E) Draw and create a story board: Create a storyboard or create a comic strip illustrating a fictional story set in medieval times. It could feature characters from different feudal classes interacting over a specific. Emphasize accurate portrayal of medieval life and customs. 29