World History: Journey Across Time, The Early Ages

Chapter 15: Medieval Europe

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
During the Middle Ages, villagers and townspeople turned to nobles to protect them. The shift in power from kings to nobles led to the creation of feudalism. As students learned in this chapter, under this system, knights were the most powerful soldiers in Europe. They commanded respect and were rewarded for their bravery. In this activity, students will analyze the military, social, and political significance of the medieval knight. They will learn about the armor and weapons used by knights, and the code by which they lived.

Students will visit Knights and Armor to discover what it was like to be a knight in Medieval Europe.

Destination Title: Knights and Armor

Lesson Description
Students will learn about the knights of Medieval Europe. They will read about the armor, weapons, training, and code of the knights. They will analyze the influence the knights had in medieval times and how this influence grew over time. Students will answer four questions about what they have learned. They will then prepare a Venn diagram, comparing and contrasting the "real" and "romantic" knights. This activity will help students apply what they've learned.

Instructional Objectives

  • Students will describe medieval knights, including their armor, weapons, and responsibilities.
  • Students will analyze the military, social, and political significance of the medieval knight. They will complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the "real" and "romantic" knights.

Student Web Activity Answers

  • Knights are compared to tanks. The invention of the stirrup helped knights keep their balance while charging their enemies.
  • Armor was expensive, so in order to be a knight one had to have the money to purchase the necessary equipment. Thus, the possession of armor symbolized wealth.
  • Knights were bound to offer military service up to 40 days a year in peace time and more during war time. Their military duties included castle guard, serving in the lord's "bodyguard," and participating in battle. In addition to these duties, the knight could administer justice, manage his estates, and continue to perfect his combat skills in tournament.
  • Knights had two reasons for participating in the Crusades. First, they hoped to reclaim the holy land. In addition, they wanted to carve out for themselves fiefs and kingdoms in this land of "milk and honey."
  • Answers will vary.

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