Historical Processes in Classical China and Medieval Europe

Historical processes also occurred in Europe during the Middle Ages. Medieval society was divided into social classes based on wealth and power. The king or queen was at the top of society, and the royal family ruled over all people. Below the king or queen was the nobility, which followed the king or queen’s wishes and ruled the land and territories. The clergy was next on the list, and lived according to the wishes of both the pope and king or queen to support the church. The knight was next, who served as the military in defense of the king or queen. Finally, the bottom of medieval European society was made up of peasants, serfs and slaves. This group made up the largest number of people in society and most of the workers on manors and in the fields and towns.

Knights served as the protectors and military forces for the rulers. Many young men were born into knighthood and spent their lives preparing to serve as the protectors of the kingdoms and manors on which they served.