Royal seal of Henry IV
Content summary
The way of life in Medieval Europe (social, cultural, economic and political features) and the roles and relationships of different groups in society (ACDSEH008)
Students:
- describe everday life of men, women and children in Medieval European society
- identify the roles and relationships of key groups in Medieval Europe society, using a range of sources
Background Notes for Teachers
This is a royal seal used by Henry IV. It used as a stamp or 'seal of approval by the king to show that it was an official document. The seal survived but the document to which it was attached has disappeared. It is dated between 1399 and 1413.
On the rim of the seal you can still see part of an inscription. In full this should read: 'HENRICUS DEI GRATIA REX FRANCIE ET ANGLIE ET DNS HIBERNIE, which translates as 'Henry by the Grace of God King of France and England Lord of Ireland'.
The king is shown on both sides of the seal. On one side he is shown seated in the centre, wearing a crown and holding a sceptre and orb. On the reverse he is shown with armour, helmet, shield and sword and mounted on a charging warhorse.
Student Activities
Activity 1
Questions on the source
NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum History K - 10
Outcomes
A student:
- HT4-3 describes and assesses the motives and actions of past individuals and groups in the context of past societies
- HT4-5 identifies the meaning, purpose and context of historical sources
Historical skills
Students:
Comprehension: chronology, terms and concepts
- read and understand historical texts
- use historical terms and concepts (ACHHS206, ACHHS149)
Analysis and use of sources
- locate, select and use information from a range of sources as evidence (ACHHS210, ACHHS153)
- draw conclusions about the usefulness of sources (ACHHS211, ACHHS154)
Perspectives and interpretations
- identify and describe different perspectives of participants in a particular historical context (ACHHS212, ACHHS155)
Research
- identify and locate a range of relevant sources, using ICT and other methods (ACHHS208, ACHHS151)
Explanation and communication
- develop historical texts, particularly explanations and historical arguments that use evidence from a range of sources (ACHHS213, ACHHS156)
Historical concepts
- Significance: the importance of an event, development, group or individual and their impact on their times or later periods
LAC
Learning across the curriculum
- Information and communication technology capability
- Literacy
- Difference and diversity