Medieval commune

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/medieval-commune

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the period of prominence?Late 11th century through the 13th and 14th centuries, with lasting influence
2. What is the core mechanism?Sworn allegiance of citizens for mutual defense and preservation of traditional freedoms
3. What were medieval communes and why did towns form them?Towns joined together to protect themselves and keep their freedoms when feudal lords and bishops were too controlling. They wanted security and to keep their customs.
4. How did medieval communes help towns become independent?By forming a sworn group, towns could act as one political body, negotiate with lords, and in some places become free cities under the Emperor.

Seigneurial Authority: The power and jurisdiction exercised by a feudal lord over his lands and tenants.
Oligarchic Governance: A form of government in which power is held by a small group of people.
Civic Participation: The active involvement of citizens in the political and public life of their community or country.