Feudalism and Hierarchy

What does the root 'Hier' mean?

• sacred

• ancient

• leader

• earth

What does the root 'Arch' mean?

• rule

• water

• light

• earth

In the context of feudalism, what does the root 'fief' mean?

• payment for land

• loyalty to a king

• ownership of a castle

• service to a lord

Based on the diagram, which group is at the top of the feudal hierarchy?

• Knights

• Peasants

• King

• Lords

Match the following feudal groups to their primary role or responsibility as shown in the diagram:

• B

• Provide food, farm the land, pay rent

• D

• Loyalty, military aid to king

• C

• Homage, military service to lords

• A

• Rule over all, receive loyalty and military aid

The feudal system developed in the years following the fall of the Roman Empire because:

• there was a need for protection and order after the collapse of central authority

• the Roman Empire encouraged feudalism before its fall

• trade increased rapidly and required new systems

• democracy was spreading throughout Europe

After the fall of Rome, what was missing that left most people undefended?

• A strong economy

• A central government or army

• Trade routes

• Religious leaders

After the fall of Rome, small kingdoms started to form and were often at war with one another.

• True

• False

Fill in the blank: The most powerful of the small kingdoms that formed after the fall of Rome had the most ______ and best _______.

• land; warriors

• gold; ships

• villages; farmers

• books; scholars

One of the most powerful groups from this time is known as the _______.

• Franks

• Romans

• Vikings

• Huns