E X T E N S I O N THE MIDDLE AGES The Middle Ages were a very long period of time in history. They lasted more than 1,000 years. They began with the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D. and ended with the discovery of America in 1492. During the Middle Ages, society was based on the feudal system a pyramid with the king, who had all the power and ruled with the support of the priests, at the top. Right below the king and the priests, there were the nobles1, or lords, who ruled over the lands that the king gave to them. In exchange2, the nobles defended3 the country during wars. Just under them in the pyramid, there were the knights4 who defended their king and nobles. Knights were able to fight and could use all sorts of weapon. They wore heavy suits of armour that protected them. On the third level, there were merchants and craftsmen. Craftsmen made necessary goods and services for daily life, from tools and clothing to buildings and attractive objects. Finally, at the bottom of the pyramid, there were the peasants who worked the land. They were protected by the lords, but in exchange the peasants had to pay high taxes to them. All kings, most nobles and several knights lived in castles.These were fortified5 buildings that stood on high ground.This way, it was much easier to defend themselves. Castles were protected by tall defensive walls and were usually surrounded by a moat. 4. knight: (in the past) a man of high social position that fought on a horse. 5. fortified: made stronger, especially in order to protect it. 1. noble: person of the highest social group. 2. exchange: the act of giving something to someone while they give you something else. 3. defend: to protect somebody/ something from attack. 59