Medieval Times: Exploring the Middle Ages

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The Middle Ages was the period of time that spans from around 400 to 1450 A.D. It is usually said to begin after the collapse of the Roman Empire and it lasts until the advent of the Renaissance, in the 15th century. 

Info 1: Society

In most European countries, life was really hard for the majority of the population. Back then, society was made up of different groups, or social levels, and organized in a very strict and hierarchical way: the King was on top, followed by the barons, the knights and, at the very bottom, the serfs.

Info 2: Serfs and knights

The serfs were the lowest group in society, yet, they were the largest one; as up to 75% of medieval society were serfs. They lived in small houses and had to work on the lands for the knights and pay them taxes. Unfortunately, they could not escape, because they were not free men.

Info 3: The King and the barons

The King owned everything in the kingdom. Usually, he would give big plots of land to the barons, in exchange for money and men for his army, in order to fight battles and conquer more land.

The barons rented their lands to the knights of the army, who lived in the castle with them. The barons used to use the serfs for building castles or manor houses for them and their knights.

During wartime, there was mandatory military service. The knights had to protect the country and fight for the King's safety.

Info 4: Key vocabulary