Chapter 4: Life in Medieval Towns

What rights did a charter give townspeople

A charter allowed the members of a medieval town to govern themselves.

What were some leisure activities enjoyed by adults in medieval Europe?

Adults liked chess, checkers, and backgammon. Card games, dice games, and dancing were also popular.

What were two reasons of growth in medieval towns

Agriculture Trade

Why was growing up in medieval towns difficult

Almost half of all children died. Those who survived began preparing for their adult roles at age seven.

How did a person become a member of a guild

Around age 12, a person who wanted to learn a trade became an apprentice. He lived and worked in the home of a guild master. After 7 years, the guild examined a sample of his work. If it met their standards, he was allowed to join the guild

How were Jews often mistreated in medieval Europe?

Because of hostility, Jews found it hard to earn a living by farming, and sometimes they were the victims of violence. Rulers took their property at will.

How did the way in which those accused of crimes were treated begin to improve in the 12th century

Beginning in the 12th century, court inquiries were used to determine a person's innocence or guilt

What role did merchants play in the growth of medieval European towns

By selling food and goods, merchants attracted more people to medieval towns.

What were some games that were popular with children in medieval Europe?

Children played with dolls and toys, such as wooden swords and hobbyhorses. They also rolled hoops and played badminton, lawn bowling, and blind man's bluff.

What were some ways criminals were punished in medieval Europe?

Fines and the stocks were used to punish those found guilty of minor crimes. Those convicted of more serious crimes were hanged or burned at the stake

How did guilds help members and families of members

Guilds provided them with money and food in times of need.

What were guilds? Why were they established?

Guilds were associations of people who practiced the same craft or trade. They were set up to make sure their members were treated fairly and produced quality goods.

What contributed to the growth of towns in medieval Europe

Improved farming methods and the revival of trade with the east contributed to the growth of towns

What were some common practices used by medieval doctors

Medieval doctors used prayer, magic, and herbal medicines. Bloodletting, including the use of leeches, was also popular

What were merchant fairs like

Merchant fairs were large and sold goods from all over Europe and the east. They attracted merchants from many countries

How did merchants become the most wealthy and powerful members of towns

Merchants became wealthy and powerful by selling a variety of goods from faraway lands, dominating the town's business life, and joining town councils.

Many people who sold their wares became.....

Permanent residents

Why were the homes of most town dwellers uncomfortable

Rooms were cold, smoky, and dim because fireplaces were the only source of heat and the main source of light

What were some common diseases in medieval Europe

Some common diseases in medieval Europe were measles, cholera, scarlet fever, and bubonic plague

What are some examples of craft guilds in medieval Europe

Some craft guilds were those for cobblers (who made shoes), stonemasons (who built cathedrals), and cloth makers

How did the church's attitude toward mystery and miracle plays differ from that of most townspeople

The church disapproved of them, but most townspeople still enjoyed them

What did homes in medieval European towns look like

Most homes in medieval towns were small, crowded, and built of wood. The homes of the wealthy were much larger.

What was the difference between mystery plays and miracle plays?

Mystery plays re-created stories from the Bible. Miracle plays drama- tized the lives of saints.

What is a charter

a written grant of rights and privileges by a ruler or government to a community class of people or organization

At the beginning of the middle ages towns were generally part of the domain of _____ _____

feudal lord

What group was sometimes blamed when an outbreak of a disease occurred

Jews were sometimes blamed for outbreaks of diseases.

Where were towns in medieval Europe often located, and why

Towns were often located next to rivers, which made trade easier.

Why were towns in medieval Europe dangerous places

Towns were poorly lit, and streets were filled with pickpockets and thieves.

What were two methods for deciding the guilt or innocence of accused criminals in the Early Middle Ages?

Two methods were trial by ordeal, in which the accused had to pass a dangerous test, and trial by combat, in which he had to fight to prove his innocence.

How did unhealthy living conditions and limited medical knowledge affect life in medieval European towns?

Unhealthy living conditions and the lack of understanding of how diseases spread caused many illnesses and deaths.

How were the lives of medieval girls different from those of modern girls

Most girls were educated at home in cooking, cloth making, and others skills for running a home. They typically married young and began raising children soon after. Only girls from wealthy families had an opportunity to learn how to paint or read music