Daily CuriosityHistory
Middle Ages
A time of castles, cold stone and some truly unfair plagues.
Question 1 of 10
What period comes after Antiquity in European history?
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What period comes after Antiquity in European history? In the Middle Ages, what was a “castle” mainly used for? What do we call a warrior on horseback in medieval Europe? What is “feudalism” mainly about? Who was at the top of most medieval kingdoms? What do we call people who worked the land for a lord? What was the main job of most people in the Middle Ages? What religion had huge power in Western Europe during the Middle Ages? What is a large Christian church led by a bishop often called? What do we call a community of monks living together? Who led prayers and church services in a local village? What is the name for a long journey to a holy place? What was the main weapon used by knights for close combat? What do we call the code of behavior linked to knights (bravery, loyalty, honor)? What do we call the protective metal clothing worn by knights? What is the name for a market town where people trade goods? What do we call a craftsman who makes things like shoes, barrels, or metal tools? What do we call a group of workers in the same trade in a medieval town? What is the name of the deadly pandemic that hit Europe in the 1300s? True or False: Most people in the Middle Ages lived in cities. True or False: The Church was an important power in medieval society. What do we call the Middle Ages in French? What do we call the “center” of a medieval village where people often gathered to pray? What is a “manor” in medieval life? What do we call the land controlled by a lord? What do we call the promise a vassal makes to a lord? What do we call a person who serves a lord in exchange for land? What was a common medieval way to defend a castle with water? What do we call the strong central tower in many castles? What is a “siege”? What is a “crusade”? In medieval Europe, what was parchment mainly made from? What do we call a book written by hand before printing? Who often copied manuscripts in monasteries? What is the name of the writing room in a monastery? What is a “relic” in medieval Christianity? What do we call the leader of a monastery? What do we call a female monastery? What do we call a female religious community member? What do we call a male religious community member? What is a medieval “tithe”? True or False: People in the Middle Ages used horses for travel and work. What do we call the heavy horse soldiers of the Middle Ages? What do we call the large open area inside castle walls? What do we call the street where medieval shops were often found? What do we call money used for buying and selling? What do we call a “lord” in a simple way? What do we call the social group of nobles, knights, and lords? What do we call the system where land is worked in exchange for protection? What is the name of the Muslim ruler often linked to the Crusades who fought Richard the Lionheart? What is the name of a famous medieval French heroine in the Hundred Years’ War? What is the name of the capital of the Byzantine Empire? What was the language used in many Western European church services? True or False: Printing presses were common in the early Middle Ages. Who were the Vikings? What do we call the large protective walls around a medieval town? What do we call the person who makes bread? What do we call the person who makes shoes? What do we call the person who works with iron (tools, horseshoes)? True or False: The Middle Ages lasted about 100 years. Roughly, the Middle Ages began after the fall of which empire in Western Europe? Roughly, the Middle Ages ended around which cultural period? What do we call a medieval gathering where knights compete? What is a “joust”? What is a “lance”? What do we call a medieval shield symbol used to identify a family? What do we call the person who announces news and events in a medieval town? What do we call a medieval marketplace event with many sellers? What do we call the special day of rest and worship in Christianity? What do we call the Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth? What do we call the Christian celebration of Jesus’ resurrection? What do we call a document that gives special rights to a town? What do we call a person who studies and teaches in a medieval university? What do we call a medieval school of higher learning? What was the main building material for many peasant homes? What do we call a medieval house with walls made of wood and mud? What do we call the field system where land is divided into strips? What do we call the tool pulled by animals to turn soil? What drink was often safer than water in medieval towns? True or False: Most medieval books were printed cheaply for everyone. What is the title for the ruler of a duchy? What do we call the wife of a king? What do we call the stronghold where a lord lives? What do we call the defensive openings in castle walls for archers? What do we call a weapon that shoots arrows? What is the name of the large church leader of Rome in Western Christianity? What do we call a church leader in charge of a region (diocese)? True or False: Monks sometimes made beer and copied books. What do we call the medieval stories about King Arthur and his knights? What is the name of King Arthur’s famous round table group? What do we call a medieval storyteller or singer who performs poems and songs? What do we call the large public punishment device made of wood for hands/head? What do we call a deadly medieval weapon that throws big stones at walls? What do we call a long trip by sea to trade or raid (common for Vikings)? What do we call a medieval map that often shows the world in a simple symbolic way? What do we call the act of crowning a king? What do we call the ceremony where a knight is made a knight? What is a “serf”? Serfs were usually completely free to leave their lord’s land. What do we call the everyday work and duties owed by peasants to a lord? What do we call the medieval system of exchanging goods without money? What do we call a road traveler who goes to holy places? What do we call the large burial place under some churches? What do we call the tall pointed church buildings often built later in the Middle Ages? What do we call the colored glass windows in many cathedrals? What do we call a medieval hospital or shelter for travelers, often run by religious orders? Castle — Middle Ages Knight — Middle Ages King — Middle Ages Church — Middle Ages Monks — Middle Ages Market — Middle Ages Plow — Middle Ages Viking longship — Middle Ages Coat of arms — Middle Ages Joust — Middle Ages Gothic — Middle Ages Stained glass — Middle Ages To call people to prayer — Middle Ages Siege — Middle Ages Trebuchet — Middle Ages Priest — Middle Ages Monastery — Middle Ages Prince — Middle Ages Archer — Middle Ages Bow — Middle Ages Feudalism — Middle Ages Peasant — Middle Ages Jerusalem — Middle Ages Knights of the Round Table — Middle Ages Crypt — Middle Ages Guild — Middle Ages In what year did the First Crusade begin? In what year was Jerusalem captured by crusaders during the First Crusade? Who called for the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont in 1095? What was the name of the agreement in 843 that split Charlemagne’s empire? Who was crowned emperor in 800 and is often linked to the Carolingian Empire? What is the name of Charlemagne’s written rules and orders for governing? What is the medieval system where a vassal swears loyalty to a lord called? What was the main language of learning and the Church in Western Europe for much of the Middle Ages? What is the name of the medieval institution that preserved and copied many texts? What style of architecture became famous for pointed arches and flying buttresses? What are “flying buttresses” mainly used for? What was the “Black Death” (1347–1351) primarily? True or False: The Black Death helped weaken serfdom in parts of Western Europe. What is the name of the English document signed in 1215 that limited the king’s power? Who was the English king associated with the Magna Carta in 1215? What battle in 1066 led to the Norman conquest of England? Who was the Norman leader who became king of England after 1066? What is the name of the famous survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror in 1086? What was the main purpose of the Domesday Book? What long conflict (1337–1453) was fought between England and France? Who was the French king at the start of the Hundred Years’ War in 1337? Who was the English king who claimed the French throne and helped start the Hundred Years’ War? In what year did Joan of Arc help lift the siege of Orléans? In what year was Joan of Arc executed? What city was Joan of Arc tried and condemned in? What battle in 1415 was a major English victory using longbows? What weapon gave English armies an advantage at battles like Crécy (1346) and Agincourt (1415)? What was the medieval economic system centered on a lord’s manor and peasant labor called? What is “three-field crop rotation”? True or False: The heavy plow helped increase agricultural production in medieval Northern Europe. What kind of medieval worker was an “apprentice”? What was a “journeyman” in a medieval craft guild? What is the name for a medieval town privilege allowing self-government and markets? What is the medieval term for a fortified settlement on a hill in France, often linked to early medieval defense? What is a “motte” in a motte-and-bailey castle? What is a “bailey” in a motte-and-bailey castle? What were “Crusader States”? Who recaptured Jerusalem from the crusaders in 1187? What was the goal of the Third Crusade (1189–1192)? Name one famous leader of the Third Crusade. What is the medieval Muslim title often used for rulers like Saladin? What was the main Christian goal of pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela? What is the medieval Christian concept of “indulgence” often linked to crusading? What is “heresy” in a medieval Christian context? What medieval institution was created to fight heresy in parts of Europe? True or False: Medieval universities often began as cathedral schools. Name a famous medieval university founded in the 12th century in France. What is “scholasticism”? Who wrote the theological work “Summa Theologica” in the 13th century? What is the “Great Schism” of 1054 mainly about? What is the name of the Eastern Christian empire centered on Constantinople? In what year did Constantinople fall to the Ottomans? What event in 1453 is often used as a marker for the end of the Middle Ages? What was a “hansa” or “Hanseatic League”? What sea was central to the Hanseatic League’s trade network? What city is often considered a leading center of the Hanseatic League? What was a medieval “commune” in many European towns? What is “simony”? What was the “Investiture Controversy” mainly about? Which pope is strongly linked to the Investiture Controversy in the late 11th century? Which Holy Roman Emperor is linked to the Investiture Controversy and the walk to Canossa (1077)? What was “Canossa” (1077) famous for? What was the political entity founded in 962, often dated from Otto I’s imperial coronation? What is a “fief”? True or False: Vassals were always poorer than the lords they served. What do we call the ceremony where a vassal becomes the lord’s man? What do we call the promise a lord gives to protect his vassal? What is the medieval term for a traveling merchant? What were the main trading hubs connecting Europe and the East in medieval Italy? What was the “Silk Road” mainly used for in medieval times? True or False: The Crusades increased contact between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. What was “serfdom”? What do we call the payment peasants owed for using the lord’s mill or oven? What was a medieval “tournament” originally linked to? What does “heraldry” study? What is a “motte-and-bailey” an example of? What is the name of the religious war in Spain to retake territory from Muslim rule? In which year did Granada fall, marking the end of the Reconquista? What is the medieval term for the Muslim ruler in Al-Andalus often called? What was Al-Andalus? Name the famous mosque-cathedral in Córdoba linked to Al-Andalus. Who was the famous Jewish philosopher from Córdoba in the 12th century? What do we call the forced labor or service owed to a lord in medieval Europe? What is a “famine”? What was the “Great Famine” in Europe associated with the years 1315–1317? True or False: The Great Famine happened before the Black Death. What is “monasticism”? What is the Rule of Saint Benedict mainly about? Which monastic order founded in 910 became very influential in the Middle Ages? What reform movement is linked to the Abbey of Cluny? What medieval order founded in 1098 emphasized simplicity and hard work? What is the “Second Crusade” generally dated to? What medieval military order is famous for caring for pilgrims and fighting in the Holy Land? What medieval military order is famously linked to the Temple of Solomon? True or False: The Knights Templar became wealthy through banking and donations. What was the “Fourth Crusade” (1202–1204) notorious for capturing? What is “excommunication”? True or False: Excommunication could be used as a political weapon in the Middle Ages. What is the name of the medieval church court system dealing with religious law? What is a “cathedral chapter”? What do we call the religious movement that aimed to enforce Church rules and independence from kings? What do we call the medieval Christian ideal of fighting for faith and protection? Who wrote “The City of God,” a key influence on medieval Christian thought? What is a “viking raid” typically described as? What year is traditionally given for the Viking raid on Lindisfarne, often marking the start of the Viking Age in Britain? What region did the Vikings come from? What is the name of the Viking settlement area in England? What is a “thing” in Viking society? What medieval group became famous as elite guards of Byzantine emperors and were often Scandinavian? What is the name of the Norman leader who conquered southern Italy and Sicily in the 11th century? What city was the center of the medieval Papal States? What is the name of the famous medieval pilgrimage route across northern Spain? True or False: Medieval pilgrims often wore badges or symbols showing where they had been. What do we call the Christian idea of going to holy places to gain spiritual benefit? What is a “reliquary”? What is “Romanesque” architecture generally known for? What style came before Gothic in much of medieval Western Europe? What is the name of the medieval poem about Roland, linked to Charlemagne’s world? True or False: Medieval epics were often spread by oral performance before being written down. What is “illumination” in a medieval manuscript? What do we call the medieval system where workers specialize and sell goods in towns? What is a “burgher”? What do we call the medieval middle class of towns (merchants, craftsmen)? What is “usury” in medieval Christian teaching? What were “sumptuary laws”? What is “the Truce of God” movement mainly about? What is “the Peace of God” movement mainly about? What is the medieval term for a fortified bridge or gatehouse controlling entry? What do we call the medieval defensive wall-walk behind battlements? What is a “portcullis”? What was a common medieval punishment that involved losing a hand for theft? What is “ordeal by water” in medieval justice? What is “trial by combat”? True or False: Medieval law often mixed local custom with religious ideas. What is “a fief” usually exchanged for? What were “town charters” important for? What medieval craft produced ink and dyes, often using plants and minerals? What was “a scribe”? What do we call the medieval Christian ceremony of becoming a knight-like defender of faith (especially in military orders)? What was the main purpose of medieval stained glass in churches? What is a “cathedral” a seat of? True or False: Gothic cathedrals were designed to be filled with light. What is a “rose window”? What medieval invention helped spread learning after the Middle Ages but began in Europe in the mid-15th century? Who is commonly credited with developing the European printing press around 1450? What is a “manuscript marginalia”? What were “bestiaries”? True or False: Some medieval maps put Jerusalem near the center. What is the medieval term for a strong stone residence in a town, often owned by nobles? What medieval event in 1212 is often called the “Children’s Crusade”? What is “the feudal pyramid” used to describe? What does “suzerainty” mean in feudal terms? What is a “fief” in return for “homage” and service? What is the name for the medieval ceremony of swearing loyalty with hands clasped? What is a “ban” in medieval lordship? What is “the commons” in medieval society? What was the typical medieval “estate” division of society called? What were the Three Estates? True or False: The clergy were considered one of the Three Estates. What is “the clergy”? What medieval practice tried to stop private wars among nobles? What do we call the medieval Christian practice of admitting sins to a priest? What is “penance”? What is “purgatory” in medieval Christian belief? True or False: Belief in purgatory helped drive donations to churches and monasteries. What do we call the holy objects kept in a reliquary? What is “canonization”? What is the medieval term for a saint’s feast day celebration? What is “the sacrament” of the Eucharist? What is “Holy Communion” in Christian worship? True or False: Monasteries often provided charity and hospitality. What is an “abbey”? What medieval order founded in the 13th century is known for preaching and education? What medieval order founded in the 13th century is linked to poverty and charity? Who founded the Franciscan order? Who founded the Dominican order? What is a “mendicant” order? True or False: Mendicant friars were more active in towns than monks were. What do we call a member of a mendicant order? What is “Hildegard of Bingen” known as in medieval culture? What is the name of the medieval epic about Spanish hero El Cid? What is “courtly love”? What medieval French-speaking poet is linked to “The Romance of the Rose” (partly)? What is a “chanson de geste”? True or False: Many medieval stories were written in Latin only. What is the “vernacular”? What medieval English work by Geoffrey Chaucer is famous? What was a “pilgrimage” a key theme of in The Canterbury Tales? What is “the Bayeux Tapestry” about? What is the Bayeux Tapestry? What is “Roman law” and “canon law” an example of in medieval learning? What is the medieval term for a trained medical practitioner in towns? What medieval institution often treated the sick and poor? What is “leprosy” in medieval context? What do we call medieval houses built partly over the street in towns? What is the medieval term for a town’s main public building for governance? What is a “merchant guild” mainly for? True or False: Guilds could control prices and training in towns. What was the medieval “Hanseatic League” mainly concerned with? What does “burg” in many medieval German place names suggest? What is the “Maghreb” in medieval geography? What is the medieval term for North African Muslim rule in Spain (early period) linked to Damascus? What was “serf labor services” often called in French history terms? What is a “plague doctor” mainly associated with? True or False: The plague was one factor that increased wages in some places due to labor shortages. What medieval uprising in England happened in 1381? Who is a famous leader linked to the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381? What do we call the medieval French uprising of 1358? True or False: The Jacquerie was a peasant revolt in France. What is “the Avignon Papacy” (1309–1377)? What is the “Western Schism” (1378–1417)? What council helped end the Western Schism in 1417? What medieval movement criticized the Church and is linked to Jan Hus? Who was Jan Hus? In what year was Jan Hus executed? What is a “crenellation”? What do we call a castle’s defensive wall openings between merlons? What is a “drawbridge”? What is “a barbican”? What is the medieval term for an archer’s protective wooden screen? What is “a guild master”? What is “a masterwork” in guild terms? True or False: Apprentices usually lived with a master’s household. What is a “sumptuary law” meant to control? What is “the Divine Comedy” (early 14th century) mainly about? Who wrote the Divine Comedy? What is “the Magna Carta” mainly remembered for? What is the name of the medieval parliament in England that grew in power over time? True or False: The medieval Church influenced calendars, holidays, and daily routines. What is “a relic cult”? What is a “saint’s shrine” often used for? What is “a cathedral close”? What is “a scriptoria” (plural) used for? What is a “palimpsest”? True or False: Parchment was expensive, so reuse (palimpsests) could happen. What do we call the medieval art of decorating initials and pages in manuscripts? What is “a scriptorium”? What medieval city was famously a center for banking in Italy? True or False: Some Italian city-states grew wealthy through Mediterranean trade. What is “a city-state” in medieval Italy? What is the medieval term for a defensive ditch that is not filled with water? What is the name of the 12th-century archbishop of Canterbury killed in 1170, later made a saint? Who was the English king in conflict with Thomas Becket? What do we call the medieval practice of going barefoot or fasting to show devotion? True or False: Relics were believed to have healing powers by many medieval people. What is “the Lateran Council” (medieval context) generally? What is “transubstantiation” (medieval Christian doctrine)? What medieval group controlled parts of the Baltic with crusades against pagans? What is “a chronicle”? True or False: Medieval chroniclers sometimes mixed facts with legends. What is “a basilica” in medieval Christianity? What is “a diocese”? What is “a parish”? What is a “friary”? What was the medieval “Reconquista” mainly? True or False: The Reconquista involved both warfare and diplomacy over centuries. What is “a caliphate”? What was “the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba” known for in medieval Iberia? What medieval Jewish and Muslim scholarship center is often associated with Toledo after its Christian reconquest? What is “a translation movement” in medieval Spain often linked to? True or False: Contact with Arabic scholarship helped medieval European learning in medicine and philosophy. What is “a lombard” in medieval finance contexts often referring to? What is “a bill of exchange” used for? What was the medieval “papal bull”? What do we call the ceremony of officially making someone a saint? What is “a relic procession”? What is “a pilgrimage badge”? What medieval Christian architectural feature is a long central hall of a church called? What is “a transept” in a church? What is “a choir” in a cathedral? What is “a cloister”? True or False: Cloisters were common features of monasteries. What is “a sally port” in castle defense? What is “murder holes” in a gatehouse used for? What is “a battlement”? What is “a merlon”? What is “a crenel”? True or False: The longbow required years of training to master. What was a “free peasant” more likely to be than a serf? What is “a chartered town”? What is “a staple” in medieval trade? What was the “Champagne Fairs” famous for? What region in France is linked to the Champagne Fairs? True or False: The Champagne Fairs helped connect Mediterranean and northern European trade. What is “the medieval warm period” often associated with? What is “a famine” often caused by in medieval Europe? What is “a tithe barn” used for? What do we call the medieval practice of paying rent in work rather than money? What is “a demesne”? What are “villeins” in medieval England? What was “scutage” in medieval England? True or False: Some vassals paid money rather than serving in person in war. What is “a motte-and-bailey” most associated with? What is “the Bayeux Tapestry” made of? What is “a medieval chronicle” often written by? What is “a guildhall”? What is “a burh” in Anglo-Saxon England? What were “burghal defenses” designed to stop? What is “a monastery’s scriptorium” mainly used for? What do we call the medieval practice of decorating books with gold leaf? What is “a reliquary” often made to do? What does “interdict” mean in medieval Church power? True or False: An interdict could pressure a king by affecting everyday religious life. What is “a crusader”? What is “a pilgrimage” different from a crusade mainly because it is? What is “a papal legate”? What is “a coronation oath”? What is “a medieval charter” usually written on? True or False: Many medieval charters were sealed with wax. What is “a seal” on a medieval document used for? What is “a pilgrimage route” often supported by? Crusade — Middle Ages The Pope — Middle Ages Homage — Middle Ages Portcullis — Middle Ages Drawbridge — Middle Ages Flying buttresses — Middle Ages Apprentice — Middle Ages Merchants — Middle Ages Longbow — Middle Ages Relic — Middle Ages Barbican — Middle Ages Murder holes — Middle Ages Town crier — Middle Ages Fair — Middle Ages Cloister — Middle Ages Scribe — Middle Ages Illumination — Middle Ages Trial by combat — Middle Ages Battlements — Middle Ages Which 11th-century legal compilation, rediscovered and studied at Bologna, helped revive Roman law in medieval Europe? What 12th-century scholar is closely associated with early scholastic method and the work “Sic et Non”? Which council in 1215 issued major reforms including rules on confession and key doctrine statements? What doctrine formally defined at the Fourth Lateran Council explains the change of bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood? Which 1075 document (set of propositions) is linked to papal authority claims during the Gregorian Reform? What 1122 agreement helped resolve the Investiture Controversy? Which pope launched the First Crusade and reshaped papal leadership in Europe? Who was crowned emperor in 962, a key figure in the Holy Roman Empire’s foundation? Which 6th-century rule became a cornerstone of Western monastic life? What 10th-century monastery became a major reform center emphasizing stricter monastic discipline and independence? Which 12th-century Cistercian abbot is famous for preaching the Second Crusade? What 1209–1229 crusade targeted heresy in southern France? Which medieval Christian movement in southern France was targeted by the Albigensian Crusade? What 1252 papal bull is often cited in discussions of inquisitorial procedure and interrogation? What was the medieval institution of “interdict” used to do? Which English archbishop’s murder in 1170 symbolized church–royal conflict under Henry II? What is “scutage” in feudal England? Which 1295 English assembly is often called the “Model Parliament”? What 1314 battle was a major Scottish victory over England during the Wars of Scottish Independence? Who led the Scots at Bannockburn? Which battle in 1356 saw the French king captured by the English during the Hundred Years’ War? Which French king was captured at Poitiers in 1356? What 1360 treaty temporarily paused major fighting and recognized English gains in France? Which 1346 battle was a major English victory that highlighted the effectiveness of the longbow? What 1453 battle is often treated as the decisive end of the Hundred Years’ War? What was the “pragmatic sanction” (in medieval/late medieval context) generally about? Which 1438 French decree is famous for asserting church liberties against papal control? Which 1378–1417 crisis featured rival popes and competing obediences in Western Europe? Which council (1414–1418) is associated with ending the Western Schism and condemning Jan Hus? What is “conciliarism” in late medieval church politics? Which 14th-century English thinker is associated with ideas later linked to Lollardy and critique of church wealth? What reform-minded movement in Bohemia is linked to Jan Hus? What is the medieval “flying buttress” most directly enabling in church architecture? Which Italian city-state is especially associated with early double-entry bookkeeping practices and late medieval banking networks? What were the Champagne Fairs most significant for in medieval Europe? What is a “commenda” contract in medieval Mediterranean commerce? What was the Hanseatic League primarily? What is “assize” in medieval legal context (England/Norman sphere)? Which 1166 legal reform under Henry II strengthened royal justice and is linked to juries of presentment? What is “benefit of clergy” in medieval English law? What is “lay investiture”? Which 1095 council is traditionally associated with Urban II’s call for crusade? Which 1187 battle led to Jerusalem’s recapture by Saladin? Which crusade (1202–1204) ended with the sack of Constantinople instead of reaching the Holy Land? What is “primogeniture” in medieval inheritance practice? What does “banalités” refer to in manorial lordship? Scholasticism — Middle Ages Gloss — Middle Ages Investiture Controversy — Middle Ages Commenda — Middle Ages The Inquisition — Middle Ages The rise of disciplined infantry pike formations — Middle Ages The Western Schism — Middle Ages Hanseatic League — Middle Ages The sack of Constantinople — Middle Ages