Introduction to the Middle Ages

These vocabulary flashcards cover the key terms, historical figures, time periods, and significant events related to the Middle Ages, the Huns, and the fall of the Western Roman Empire as described in the lecture notes.

Medium Aevum

The Latin term for "Middle Ages," where medium means middle and aevum means age.

Flavio Biondo

The Italian humanist and historian who first introduced the term "Middle Ages" in the $XV-XVI$ centuries.

Early Middle Ages

The period from the $V$ century to the middle of the $XI$ century, characterized by the formation of feudal society and new states.

Developed Middle Ages

The period from the middle of the $XI$ century to the $XV$ century, marked by flourishing cities and the establishment of absolute monarchy.

Late Middle Ages

The period from the second half of the $XV$ century to the middle of the $XVII$ century, during which the Reformation and Great Geographical Discoveries began.

The Song of the Nibelungs

A literary work based on the relationship and wars between the Franks, Burgundians, and Huns in the $V$ century.

The Song of Roland

A $XII$ century work describing the campaign of the Frankish king Charlemagne and his commander Roland in Spain.

Justinian's "Code of Civil Law"

A significant legal collection of written records dating back to the $V-XI$ centuries.

Lex Salica (Salic Truth)

One of the customary laws of the Germanic and Celtic tribes, specifically the Franks, from the $V-IX$ centuries.

Domesday Book

A census and land tax record of the English kingdom created under William (the Conqueror).

Diocletian

Roman Emperor (284-305) during whose reign the state structure changed and the Senate was replaced by the imperial council.

Milan Legislation ($313$)

A decree adopted by Constantine that permitted the preaching of the Christian religion.

The First Ecumenical Council

A meeting of all church leads in Nicaea in $325$ where the "Symbol of Faith" was adopted.

Heretics (Ere- heresy)

Those who did not submit to the church; their movement expressed dissatisfaction with the clergy.

Druids

Priests in Celtic society who shared power with the wealthy elite.

Limes

Fortifications built by the Romans to protect against barbarian tribes.

Garrison

Military barracks located along the border of the Roman Empire.

Great Migration of Peoples

The mass invasion of barbarian tribes into Roman territory between the $IV$ and $VII$ centuries, started by the Huns.

Modu

The leader who united $24$ Hun tribes in the $III$ century B.C. and forced the Chinese Emperor into a peace treaty.

Attila

The Hun leader known as the "Scourge of God" who united the Hun state and was a dangerous rival to Rome.

Battle of the Catalaunian Plains ($451$)

A major battle where Attila faced the pressure of the Roman commander Aetius and allied forces in Gaul.

Romulus Augustulus

The last emperor of the Western Roman Empire who took the throne at age $16$ and was deposed in $476$.

Odoacer

A Roman commander who conquered Rome in $476$, distributed land, and released the slaves.

Clovis

The $19$-year-old founder of the Frankish state from the Merovingian clan who adopted Christianity in $496$.

March Field

An annual assembly where the Frankish people and soldiers had their weapons inspected by the king.

Treaty of Verdun ($843$)

An agreement between Charlemagne's sons to divide the empire, laying the foundations for modern France, Germany, and Italy.