Download Middle Ages Essential Questions

Middle Ages Essential Questions
1. Why do we call the earliest part of the Middle Ages “the Dark Ages” and why is there so little
written evidence available from this time period?
2. In your opinion, should Vikings be remembered as peaceful farmers and merchants or as
bloodthirsty warriors and raiders? Support your opinion with facts and details.
3. What is feudalism and what would a diagram of feudalism look like? Make sure to include all
relevant vocabulary terms like: lord, vassal, king, peasant, etc.
4. Why did feudalism develop and who benefited from it?
5. What was the purpose of a castle and how did castles change over time to accomplish this
purpose?
6. What is manorialism and how is manorialism connected to feudalism?
7. What was the role of a knight in feudal society and how is the idea of chivalry connected to
knights?
8. In your opinion, what is the most interesting cultural advancement that took place during the
Middle Ages.
9. How was the Medieval Christian Church structured and how did the Church influence
medieval life?
10. What was a Coat of Arms and what was the purpose?
11. How was the next king of England chosen during the events of the Norman Conquest?
12. How is the government of England in the Middle Ages similar to and different from the
government of the United States in the present?
13. How has the Magna Carta influenced important documents in the history of our own country
like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights?
14. What were the Crusades and how did they influence medieval life?
15. How was the establishment of the country of France different from the establishment of the
Holy Roman Empire?
16. What does the spread of the Black Death tell us about the every day common people during
the Middle Ages?