Medieval Europe

Medieval Europe is also called the Middle Ages. It lasted from about the year 500 to 1500. During this time, Europe had kings, queens, knights, and castles. Most people were farmers who worked for a lord. The Catholic Church was very important to almost everyone.

Castles and Knights

Lords built tall stone castles to protect their land. Knights were soldiers who wore heavy metal armor. They rode horses and fought with swords and lances. Kids of nobles would train for years to become knights. Knights followed rules of honor called chivalry.

A medieval painting of a farmer planting seeds in a field.
A medieval painting of a farmer planting seeds in a field. (Jules & Jenny from Lincoln, UK / Wikimedia Commons)

Life for Everyone Else

Most people in medieval times were peasants. They lived in small villages and farmed the land. They grew food for the lord and kept some for themselves. Towns got bigger later on, and more people became traders. Church bells rang every day to tell time.

Fun Facts

  • A knight's full armor could weigh over 50 pounds.
  • Kids often started working around 7 years old.
  • Cathedrals took hundreds of years to build.

Did You Know?

The Black Death was a terrible sickness that killed about one in three people in medieval Europe.