Introduction:
Throughout this year in history we will be analyzing the political and social structures of many civilizations during the Medieval period. Two civilizations we will focus on are the Japanese and the English. Although in very different parts of the world there were many similarities between these two civilizations. This scavenger hunt will give you the opportunity to investigate the lord-vassal system of Medieval Japan and the development of feudalism in Medieval Europe.
Your task is to go to the following websites listed below and answer the accompanying questions. These websites will later help you to write an essay where you will compare and contrast these systems of government and how they influenced the way of life in each part of the world.
Vassals
http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/vassals.htm
This site provides an in-depth overview of the life of a vassal.
- What was a section of land given to the loyal Norman vassals called?
- The feudal system demanded that all vassals would swear allegiance and pay homage to his lord in a commendation ceremony. What was the name of the ceremony?
Feudalism – Further Readings
http://law.jrank.org/pages/6863/Feudalism.html
This site is a fantastic and easy to read overview of the history of feudalism.
- In the early ninth century, control of Europe was largely under the rule of __________________________?
- Fealty carried with it an obligation of service. What was its most common form?
- How did the Magna Charta signal the beginning of the end of feudalism in England?
Japan Guide - Samurai
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2127.html
This site gives a basic overview of the history of the Samurai warriors in Medieval Japan.
- What was the most famous weapon of the Samurai warrior?
- What was the Bushido?
- What was seppuku?
The Samurai Achieves – Samurai Clothing
http://www.samurai-archives.com/cultcat.html
This site has tons of information that you can use later for your essay.
- Describe two pieces of the Samurai’s clothing.
The Samurai Achieves – The Tea Ceremony
http://www.samurai-archives.com/cultcat.html
This site has tons of information that you can use later for your essay.
- Throughout the ceremony what do the hosts and guests both aspire towards?
The Samurai and Their Use of Bushido
http://victorian.fortunecity.com/duchamp/410/bsamurai.html
This site has specific information on the Bushido code and the Samurai Creed.
- How would a Samurai warrior prefer to fight?
