Middle Ages Vocab

Middle Ages

a period of European history from about 500-1500 AD

Franks

a Germanic people who ruled much of western europe

Monastery

a place where monks live and worship God

Secular

something not related to religion or the Church

Carolingian Dynasty

a family of kings who ruled the Franks

Charlemagne

a king who united much of western Europe

Lord

a powerful landowner who offered protection

Fief

land given in exchange for loyalty or service

Vassal

someone who received land and promised loyalty to a lord

Knight

a trained solider who fought on horseback

Serf

a peasant who was not allowed to leave the lord’s land

Manor

a lord’s estate where peasants lived and worked

Chivalry

a code of behavior knights were expected to follow

Tournament

a competition where knights practiced fighting

Troubadour

a traveling poet or musician who performed songs

Clergy

religious leaders, such as priests and bishops

Sacrament

an important religious ceremony in the Catholic Church

Canon Law

the laws and rule of the Catholic Church

Holy Roman Empire

a group of European lands ruled by an emperor

Lay Investiture

when kings or emperors appoint Church officials

Tithe

a tax paid to the Church, usually 10 percent of income