📖 Reading Passage: The Middle Ages and Feudalism

I can understand the basic structure of medieval feudalism and identify the roles of different social classes.

The Middle Ages (also called the Medieval period) lasted from about 500 to 1500 CE in Europe. During this time, most people lived under a system called feudalism. Feudalism was like a pyramid of power and land ownership.

At the top was the king, who owned all the land. The king gave large pieces of land called fiefs to powerful nobles called lords. In return, lords promised to fight for the king and provide soldiers called knights.

Lords gave smaller pieces of land to vassals (lesser nobles). Vassals promised loyalty and military service to their lord. At the bottom were serfs - farmers who worked the land but were not free to leave. Serfs gave part of their crops to the lord and worked his land for free several days each week.

Everyone had duties: kings protected the kingdom, lords managed land and provided justice, vassals served as warriors, and serfs grew food for everyone. This system helped bring order during dangerous times when there were many wars and invasions.

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions

Circle the letter of the best answer.

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer and Application

I can explain the relationships between different social classes in feudalism.

Highest: _____________ → _____________ → _____________ → _____________: Lowest

Similarity: _________________________________________________

Difference: _________________________________________________