Exploring the Social Structure of the Middle Ages

What was the main challenge William the Conqueror faced after becoming king?

• Establishing trade routes

• Building castles

• Controlling a kingdom where most people didn't want him

• Managing the economy

What did William the Conqueror give to his trusted men in exchange for their service?

• Weapons

• Titles

• Land

• Gold

What was the formal ceremony called where a vassal swore loyalty to his lord?

• Fealty

• Coronation

• Homage

• Investiture

What could a fief include besides land?

• All of the above

• The right to collect certain fees or taxes

• A high position in the church

• A public office

Why were women generally not granted fiefs?

• They were not allowed to own property

• They did not go to war or perform other services in exchange for a fief

• They were considered inferior

• They were not educated

What was the primary duty of noble women in the Middle Ages?

• Traveling

• Bearing children

• Managing businesses

• Fighting in wars

What were the main responsibilities of a serf on a manor?

• Collecting taxes

• Trading goods

• Tending the lord's crops and doing other work around the estate

• Managing the manor

What was one of the main benefits serfs received from the lord of the manor?

• Freedom to travel

• Protection in times of war

• Ownership of the manor

• Education

What role did the Christian Church play in the social structure of the Middle Ages?

• It dominated life and influenced all aspects of society

• It was only involved in religious matters

• It had no significant role

• It was opposed to the feudal system

What was an effigy in the context of the Middle Ages?

• A religious symbol

• A type of weapon

• A piece of land

• A carved figure on a tomb representing a person's achievements