The Birth of the Middle Ages

Project

During this project, you will discover how different groups during the
Middle Ages were bound together by different sets of loyalties. You will
be asked to answer multiple questions that demonstrate your
understanding and knowledge of this era.
The Situation
During the Middle Ages (500-1500), the development of the feudal
system of government resulted in war, famine, serfdom, and the
strengthening role of the Papacy or Church in the lives of everyday
citizens. Many were called upon to serve their local nobles, the Pope,
or protect their community from attacks by marauding Vikings or
hostile lords seeking to expand their kingdoms. Some of the most
important people in this era were knights, farmers, priests, and
traveling merchants.

Your Quest
You will discover how and why the Early Middle Ages were such a
pivotal era in man's history. Your task is to demonstrate your
knowledge of this era by a series of tasks (written essays, maps, and

oral presentations) that will show your knowledge of this era and its
historical importance.
Your mission is to become a "Knowledge Knight" and successfully learn
how changes during the Early Medieval Ages became the foundation
for our concepts of democracy, capitalism, and individual rights.

Options:
You have two options for completing this project you can:
o Create a Power Point or google Presentation.
o You can create a physical book using a scrapbook.
Directions:
1) For each quest (1-3) below you must create at least one slide or
one page of a book that answers the question fully.
2) Be sure to include a picture for each quest that represents the
material you present.
3) For Quest number 4 you will need at LEAST 6 slides/pages to full
answer the questions asked. One to answer the first question and
then one slide/page each for the different classes of people listed.
(A pyramid slide showing the classes would help on the first slide
of this section)
4) Quest 5 will require at least 2 slides/pages. One to answer each
question, however the first question would be better answered
using two slides/pages.
5) Do NOT use any website other than those listed, they contain
everything you need!
6) Do NOT copy and paste! That is plagiarism; put everything in your
own words or you will receive a ZERO!!!!!
Quest Number One

Why did the fall of Rome create disorder in Europe?

http://regentsprep.org/Regents/global/themes/justice/classical.cfm
http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org
http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/weekly/?once=true&
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/history/history.htm
Quest Number Two
How did Frankish rulers such as Charlemagne gain control of Western
Europe?
http://www.mrdowling.com/703-feudalism.html
http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/magnacarta.html
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0857240.html
http://www.learner.org/interactives/middleages/feudal.html

Quest Number Three

How did Charlemagne create an empire that blended several different
traditions?
http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/
http://www.learner.org/interactives/middleages/feudal.html

Quest Number Four

Why was medieval life organized around feudalism and the manorial
system?
What were the roles of different members of society such as; knights,
vassals, lords, serfs, and merchants?
http://themiddleages.tripod.com/feudal_system.htm

http://www.learner.org/interactives/middleages/feudal.html
http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/endmiddle/feudal.html
Quest Number Five
What was the role of the Church and Papacy during the Early Middle
Ages?
How has it changed over the years?
http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/
http://www.learner.org/interactives/middleages/religion.html