2. What were the Middle Ages?  The Middle Ages were characterized by small towns becoming independent after the fall of the Roman Empire.  At the beginning of the 11 th century, towns grew in size, grew much more food, and began to govern themselves.

3. Life in the Middle Ages  Towns were overcrowded, dangerous and unsanitary and usually surrounded by a thick wall.  Towns were governed by “elected” mayors and councils, but were still under the control of the King/monarch.  Fires and epidemics were common.

4.  Guilds were made up of very rich and powerful merchants.  Very often these merchants were “elected” mayor. Guild’s Coats of arms

5. The Church during the Middle Ages  The Catholic Church was the center of the town.  People during the Middle Ages would do anything to honor God.

6.  The Catholic Church controlled every aspect of people’s lives.  The high clergy held as much power as the “mayor and elected council.”  Most of the art produced served as a reminder of the consequences if one did not obey the church (death, hell, etc.).  Towns built huge cathedrals to honor God and to show their prosperity.

7. Trade in the Middle Ages  Every town in the Middle Ages had a market.  This gave craftsmen and farmers a chance to sell their products.  Market were a social gathering space.  Trade fairs became more common. This would allow merchants from other towns to set up their shops to sell their products.  Trade fairs would last from a few days to six weeks

8.  An increase in trade saw a rise in the use of coins and bills of exchange.

9. Social Classes in the Middle Ages  There were very distinct social classes in the Middle Ages.  The King/Monarch was the most powerful.  Beneath the King were the Nobles (Knights) and the High Clergy.  Wealthy merchants were next.  The lowest class were the commoners (serfs, local priests, etc.)

10. Monarch Nobles (Knights) and High Clergy Wealthy Merchants Over 90% Commoners Less than 10%

11. Castles and Castle Life  Castles are the main features of the Middle Ages.  These structures were originally used for defence against invaders.  Over time very expensive homes for the very powerful developed within its walls.  There are many castles from the middle Ages that are still standing today.

12.  Commoners would live outside the castle walls, but would remain inside the town walls.  Castles were heavily fortified (strong).  During an attack cannons, archers, knights, and siege engine would line castle walls.

13. Who lived in a castle? 1. Monarchs 2. Member of the Royal family 3. Nobility and Knights 4. High Clergy (Bishops, Cardinals, Pope)

14. Feudalism in the Middle Ages  Feudalism is a system which dictates social class and the distribution of land.  In a feudal society land is given by the king to a lord or a knight.  The lord (knight) gives this land to the commoners in exchange for a percentage of their crops.  Very difficult for people to move into a higher social class.