Chapter 9, Student Web Activities, The American Republic Since 1877, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 9: Emerging Eruope and the Byzantine Empire, 400–1300
"Castle Life"

Introduction
Castles in medieval Europe were not only for royalty. More often they were occupied by the nobility, who used them to control the surrounding countryside. In this activity you will read about medieval castles in England and learn about the complex relations between castle dwellers and those who lived outside the castle walls.

Destination Title: Castles of Britain

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Directions

Start at the Castles of Britain Web site.

Click on Castle Learning Center, then click on About Castles.
Read the article, taking notes as you read.
Return to the "Castle Learning Center" to explore other links on this site.

After you have read the material, answer the following questions.

1. Who built England's castles?

2. What were the main reasons for building castles in medieval England?

3. How did nobles get permission to live in a castle?

4. How much control did kings and queens in England have over the castles once they were built?

5. In this activity you learned about the people who lived in castles and their interactions with the king. You also have read about the political system in early Japan in chapter 9. In a brief essay on a separate piece of paper, compare and contrast the two civilizations. Make sure you discuss the rulers and the life of common people in each civilization.