Question

People who claimed aristocratic status in the fourteenth century did so by

a) participating in the court culture of a local king or great lord.
b) commissioning a family coat of arms.
c) living lavish and extremely expensive lifestyles.
d) fighting in tournaments on horseback.

Answer 1

People who claimed aristocratic status in the fourteenth century did so primarily by **a) participating in the court culture of a local king or great lord**. While commissioning a family coat of arms (b) and living lavish lifestyles (c) were certainly associated with the aristocracy, active participation in the political and cultural life of the nobility was a key factor in establishing and legitimizing one's status. Fighting in tournaments (d) was also relevant, but it was more of a demonstration of status rather than a primary means of claiming it.