Answering Questions on Western Civilization I and Feudal Charter Document

Western Civilization I

#1. The relationship between Rome and the provinces was complex, and would have an impact long after the Empire in the West had ceased to exist.Describe this relationship, being sure to note regional differences.How pervasive was “Romanization”? What were the long term consequences of this relationship? 

#2. The history of the Roman Empire is marked by periods of civil war and reform.  How did the reformers Augustus Caesar, the “Antonines”, Diocletian and Constantine, respond to the civil wars? Why did the civil war recur?

#3.  One of the most important events that occurred during the time of the Roman Empire was the birth of Christianity.  What were the basic teachings of Jesus of Nazareth?  Trace the progress and growth of Christianity from its origins in the 1^st century to the 4^th century.  How do historians explain the success of early Christianity?

2. Please answer all 6 questions   (based on the “Feudal Charter” document)

#1. What action is this feudal contract describing?

#2. What is being exchanged in this contract?

#3a. Who are the main participants?

a. What are their responsibilities?

#4.  List 3 feudal words used in this contract.

#5. Name 3 of the witnesses to this contract?

#6. Why is this document important as a historical document?

(from family pipe roll)

“Henry, king of the English greets the bishop of Lincoln and earl David and the earl of Leicester and earl Rannulf of Chester and all the barons and lords of whom Geoffrey Ridel held lands, and all the sheriffs within whose jurisdiction he held them.  Know that I have given to Richard Basset the daughter of Geoffrey Ridel to wife, and the custody of Geoffrey Ride’s land until Robert Ridel can be a knight and marry the granddaughter of Ralf Basset, namely the daughter of one of his daughters.  Thereupon, the aforesaid Richard shall have twenty librarae of land of my fee in demesne  in marriage with his wife, and four enfeoffed knights, and if Robert shall die without heir by his wife, I grant to Richard Basset and the heir whom he shall have by the daughter of the aforesaid Geofrey the whole land of Goefrey Ridel, of whomsoever he held it.  

And if the daughters of Geoffrey Ridel shall not be married during the life of Robert their brother or while under the wardship of Richard Basset, he shall provide for them according to my advice and dis- cretion. And this gift and compact have been made at the request and with the advice of Rannulf earl of Chester and William his brother and Nigel de Albini and (Robert Ridel’s) other kin and Geva his mother and Geoffrey the earl’s chancellor and Simon dean of Lincoln and William son of Rannulf and Thomas de St. John and Geoffrey de Clinton and Pain fitz John and William de Albini and Umfrey de Rohun and Robert Musard and Robert Basset and Osmund Basset and Turstin Basset and William constable of earl Rannulf of Chester and Ralf fitz Norman and Hugh Maubane, at Woodstock.