The Three Orders: Understanding Medieval Society

Front

The symbols of status and authority in medieval society indicate who held power. What do these symbols tell us about the structure of medieval society?

Back

They show that kings, nobles, and the church held the most power.

Front

Most people in medieval Europe would likely belong to which social group?

Back

Peasants

Front

Medieval society was organized into three distinct groups to:

Back

Maintain order and stability by assigning specific roles to each group.

Front

Which group in medieval society served as intermediaries between God and people?

Back

The Clergy

Front

What percentage of income did the clergy collect as tithes from all Christians?

Back

10%.

Front

The clergy in medieval society were divided into a hierarchy. List the order of hierarchy from highest to lowest.

Back

Pope → Bishops → Priests → Monks/Nuns

Front

True or False: The clergy owned approximately 1/3 of all land in Western Europe.

Back

True

Front

Which social group in medieval society had widespread literacy?

Back

The clergy

Front

What were some of the institutions controlled by the clergy in medieval society?

Back

Education, hospitals, and written records

Front

What role did the clergy play in providing spiritual guidance and administering sacraments?

Back

They provided spiritual guidance and administered sacraments to the people.