History // Medieval Times

Medieval Pyramid of Power

How medieval society was organised: king at the top, then lords, then knights, then peasants/serfs; who owed what to whom; the pyramid of power and mutual obligations

Ages
7 to 9
Type
Concept
Builds on
4 topics
Leads to
6 topics

Quick check

Could the learner explain the medieval class system — who was at the top, who was at the bottom, and what each group had to do for the others?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Draw or describe the feudal pyramid showing king, lords, knights, and peasants
  • Explain what each level owed to the level above (loyalty, military service, labour)
  • Describe what a serf's life was like and why they couldn't easily leave

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

4 topics
  • Village LifeRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 5 to 7

    Must understand peasant life before grasping serfdom in the feudal system

  • Kings & QueensRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 5 to 7

    Must understand kings and power before grasping the feudal hierarchy

  • Knights & ArmourRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 5 to 7

    Must know about knights before understanding their place in the feudal system

  • Battle of Hastings and 1066Helpful

    Medieval Times // Ages 7 to 9

    Norman Conquest established the feudal system in England

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Medieval Pyramid of Power

Ages 7 to 9 // Concept

Leads to

6 topics
  • The Black DeathRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 7 to 9

    Must understand feudal society before grasping how the Black Death disrupted it

  • Magna Carta and Limiting Royal PowerRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 9 to 11

    Must understand feudal power before grasping why barons rebelled against the king

  • Towns & TradeRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 9 to 11

    Must understand feudal rural society before grasping the significance of urban growth

  • Crime & PunishmentRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 9 to 11

    Must understand feudal society to contextualise medieval justice

  • Women in the Middle AgesRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 9 to 11

    Must understand feudal hierarchy before examining women's roles within it

  • The Medieval ChurchHelpful

    Medieval Times // Ages 7 to 9

    Feudal system context shows how Church power paralleled secular power

History // Medieval Times

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