Life in Medieval European Towns

Fake or For Real!? People accused of crimes were thrown into water or forced to fight someone to test their innocence

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

In a trial by ordeal, the accused had to pass a dangerous test, such as being thrown into a deep well. Unfortunately, a person who floated instead of drowning was declared guilty because he or she had been “rejected” by the water.

In a trial by combat, the accused person had to fight to prove his or her innocence. People believed that God would ensure the right party won.

Fake or For Real!? Towns in the Late Middle Ages had very little fortification

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

Almost all medieval towns were protected by thick stone walls and required visitors to enter through gates.

Fake or For Real!? Towns began to grow again because of surpluses in agriculture and the revival of trade

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

Surpluses of crops were sold in town markets. Seaport towns, such as Venice and Genoa in Italy, served as trading centers for goods from the Middle East and Asia.

Fake or For Real!? Most towns continued to be ruled by Feudal Lords throughout the Middle Ages

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

As towns grew wealthier, town dwellers began to resent the lord's and his demands for taxes. They felt they no longer needed the lord's protection—or his interference so they began to demand indepenence

Fake or For Real!? A guild is an organization of merchants or craftsmen who specialize in the making/selling the same product.

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

Guilds still exist today. A guild is also comparable to a workers union today.

Fake or For Real!? Guild members competed with one another for business in towns.

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

Guilds kept product standards high and set prices for products so there was little/no competition between members

Fake or For Real!? An apprentice is someone who does on-the-job training working for a master craftsman

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

An apprentice's parents signed an agreement with a master of the trade. The master agreed to shelter, feed, and train the apprentice.

Fake or For Real!? To become a member of a guild, an apprentice had to present their best work to be evaluated by the guild--known as a masterpiece.

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

If the guild approved of the work, the apprentice was given the right to become a master and set up his or her own business.

Fake or For Real!? Towns were exceptionally clean places to live

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

Towns were very dirty which led to unhealthy living conditions and disease.

Fake or For Real!? Kids started preparing for their careers by becoming an apprentice at the age of 12

• Fake

• For Real

Answer explanation

Kids almost always went into the same trade/job as their father.