A quick guide to the Middle Ages ()
The Middle Ages is also known as the Medieval Ages. This was a time period in Europe from 500 AD (or CE) to 1500 AD (or CE). It was a time of kings, queens, knights and castles. Here are some fast facts about the era.
People and places during the Middle Ages all had a very particular role ()
Royalty: The king and queen were the most powerful people in the country. They would give fiefs to the nobility. Fief is just a fancy way of saying pieces of land to build houses and farms on.
Nobility: People who paid taxes and rent to the king and queen. Usually a man called a lord was in control of their own fief. They also had to give the king soldiers when he asked.
Page: At age 7, a boy could become a page and start to train to be a knight. He was sent to live with another family. He learned how to ride a horse, use a sword and dance. It was expensive. So, only boys from families with a lot of money could become knights.
Squire: At age 14, a page could become a squire. He learned how to fight on horseback and went into battle with the lord. In battle, he would look after the lord’s weapons and his horse.
Knight: At age 21, squires could become knights. They fought in battles. They took part in jousting tournaments.
Peasants: People who had less money than nobility and knights. Sometimes they owned small businesses like making swords or baking bread. They had more money and freedom than serfs.
Serf: A serf worked on the fief for their lord. They had to work on the fief until they could afford to pay off the debt they owed.
Moat: People dug a wide and deep trench in the ground around the castle. Then, it was filled with water. This kept people out and helped fortify the castle.
Drawbridge: The bridge was lowered over the moat or ditch. This let people in or kept them out.
Arrow Loops: These were very skinny windows. Archers defended the castle by shooting arrows from behind the loops.
Dungeons: This is where they kept prisoners. It was cold, wet and dark.
Bailey: This area had churches and stables. It also had servants’ areas and kitchens.
Tower: People looked out from the tower to make sure no danger was coming.
Groke: To look at someone when they are eating in hopes they give you some food. Dogs are known to groke.
Wit: To know something. Ask someone, “Do you wit what day it is?”
Elflock: Tangled hair. The name comes from hair that has been tangled by elves.
Clinomania: A strong want to stay in bed.
