Spanish Era Primary Sources

Name:

Date:

Spanish medieval manuscript illustration

📜 Part 1: Primary Source Excerpts

Document A: Political Power (Visigothic Code, 654 CE)

"The king shall rule with justice and wisdom over all peoples within his realm. Let no man, whether noble or common, escape the law. All subjects must show proper respect to their sovereign, for through him comes order and peace."

Document B: Cultural Life (Letter from a Spanish Monk, 892 CE)

"Our monastery preserves the ancient texts and teachings. We copy manuscripts in Latin and the local tongue, keeping alive the knowledge of both Christian and classical writers. The arts flourish here - our illuminated books are prized throughout the kingdom."

Document C: Social Structure (Royal Decree, 1020 CE)

"Let it be known that all free men may seek justice in the king's courts. However, those of noble birth shall be judged by their peers, while common folk shall answer to local magistrates. Each person must know their place and duties within our Christian society."

🔍 Part 2: Analysis Questions

1. According to Document A, what were the main responsibilities of a Visigothic king?

2. What does Document B tell us about education and learning during the Spanish Era?

3. How does Document C show the social differences between nobles and common people?

4. Which document shows the strongest influence of Christianity? Explain your choice.

Document A - because it mentions divine rule

Document B - because it describes monastery life

Document C - because it refers to "Christian society"

Explain your choice: _________________________________________________

5. Based on these documents, what were the most important values in Spanish Era society? (Check all that apply)

Order and law

Education and learning

Social hierarchy

Religious faith

Individual freedom

📅 Part 3: Timeline Preparation

6. Based on the dates in these documents, list three major time periods of the Spanish Era:

Early Period: _______ CE

Middle Period: _______ CE

Later Period: _______ CE

7. For your group timeline, choose ONE document and write a brief description of its historical significance:

Document chosen: _______

8. How do these primary sources help us understand Spanish Era history differently than a textbook would?

Spanish Era Primary Sources

Spanish Era Primary Sources

📜 Part 1: Primary Source Excerpts

🔍 Part 2: Analysis Questions

📅 Part 3: Timeline Preparation

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