Medieval to the Renaissance

1. What is feudalism?

Ans: Feudalism is a political system in which land is exchanged for military service and loyalty. In this hierarchy, lords grant land (fiefs) to vassals in return for their support and protection, establishing a relationship of mutual obligation that shapes the social and economic structure of medieval society.


2. What is fief?

Ans: The fief or the fee signified the land given as a payment for regular military service.


4. When did the feudal system become widespread in Europe?

Ans: Medieval romances idealized themes such as chivalry and heroism, courtly love, adventure and quests, magic and the supernatural, noble lineage, moral lessons, conflict resolution, and friendship. These stories often featured knights embodying valor, engaging in unattainable love, and facing challenges, reflecting the values of the feudal system that became widespread in Western Europe from the 11th century onwards.


5. Who was at the top of the feudal pyramid?

Ans: The King occupied the top of the feudal pyramid, owning all the land, and granted portions to Nobles based on their loyalty and favor.


6. Who was a Vassal?

Ans: A vassal was a person who accepted a fief from a lord in the feudal system, committing to obey the lord and fight for him when required.


7. Where did the word 'feudalism' come from?

Ans: The term "feudalism" originates from the medieval Latin words feudalis, meaning "fee," and feodum, meaning "fief."


8. What was the root of the feudal system?

Ans: The feudal system originated from the Roman manorial system and the 8th-century Frankish kingdom, where kings granted land (benefice) to loyal nobles in exchange for military service and support.


9. Who were the Nobles in the feudal system?

Ans: Medieval romances idealized the lives of nobles—lords, ladies, dukes, and earls—who were often related to the king, showcasing themes of chivalry, courtly love, adventure, and moral lessons within the context of noble lineage and heroic quests.


10. On what condition did the Nobles enjoy their power?

Ans: Nobles did not receive land for free; they were required to provide financial support and military service, typically in the form of knights, when the king called upon them to fight in wars.


11. What do you mean by the term Manorialism?

Ans: Nobles did not receive land for free; they were obligated to provide financial support and military service (knights) to the king during wartime in exchange for their land holdings.


12. Who were the serfs?

Ans: Peasants, known as serfs, relied on landowners for protection, offering their labor in exchange for safety and sustenance.


13. What were the two sections of Third Order?

Ans: Two sections of the Third Order were

(i) Free Peasants and (ii) Serfs.


14. What do you understand by 'Labour Rent'?

Ans: In the feudal system, serfs were required to work for their lords for a specified number of days, typically three or more, along with their family members. The income generated from this labor was referred to as "Labour Rent."


15. What was Manar?

Ans: Fertile lands were called Manar.


16. What kind of stories was idealized in medieval romances?

Ans: Medieval romances idealized the hero-knight, showcasing their honorable acts and chivalric virtues. These stories emphasized bravery, loyalty, and the pursuit of noble causes, often featuring quests that tested the knight's character. Themes of courtly love, adventure, and moral lessons were prevalent, highlighting the knight's role in restoring order and upholding justice.


17. What is 'motte-and-bailey castle'?

Ans: The earliest distinctive European fortification that reflected feudal social organization and warfare was the motte-and-bailey castle. This type of castle emerged in the 10th and 11th centuries and consisted of a raised earth mound (the motte) topped with a wooden or stone keep, surrounded by an enclosed courtyard (the bailey) that housed various buildings and fortifications.


18. What causes the development of medieval literature possible?

Ans: Medieval literature emerged from Charlemagne's efforts around 800 AD to educate his people, driven by his belief in the importance of learning and literacy. This revival of education was closely tied to the Catholic Church's teachings, as monasteries became centers for scholarship, preserving classical texts and promoting religious and moral instruction, thereby laying the groundwork for the rich literary tradition of the medieval period.


19. What is the chivalric code?

Ans: The chivalric code was a moral framework that emphasized duty, honor, and justice among knights. It dictated ideals such as bravery in battle, loyalty to one's lord and comrades, protection of the weak, and the pursuit of noble causes, including courtly love. This code served as a guiding principle for knightly behavior and interactions in medieval society.


20. Why was chivalric code necessary in the medieval period?

Ans: The chivalric code served as a foundational framework for knighthood, emphasizing ideals such as bravery, honor, and loyalty. It was not only essential for knights to uphold their status but also promoted good moral standing by encouraging virtues like compassion, respect for women, and protection of the weak, thereby shaping the ethical conduct expected of noble warriors in medieval society.