Early Middle Ages and Byzantine Empire

Vocabulary flashcards covering key historical figures, events, and concepts from the Early Middle Ages, the Frankish Kingdom, and the Byzantine Empire.

Germanic Tribes

Farmers and herders who lived in small communities with no written laws, followed tradition and customs, and were ruled by an elected warrior.

Do Nothing Kings

The 4 sons of Clovis who did not accomplish anything and cared only about drinking.

Battle of Tours

The battle in which Charles Martel defeated the Muslims.

Charles Martel

Known as "The Hammer"; defeated the Muslims and started the Carolingian Dynasty.

Charlemagne

Ruler who learned to read and write, spread Christianity, and brought unity to Europe.

Missi Dominici

Officials that Charlemagne sent out to inspect and make sure his orders were carried out.

Treaty of Verdun

An 843 agreement that created a 3-way split of the empire and land among Lothair, Louis the German, and Charles the Bald.

Feudalism

A system where land was divided for protection.

Vikings

Raiders and ruthless sailors.

Muslims

Group that invaded from the south.

Autocracy

Total rule by one leader.

Hagia Sophia

A famous church structure.

Belisarius

Byzantine general that won back Rome.

Justinian Code

A collection of laws that became the basis for international and modern legal systems.

Theodora

Empress to Justinian who saved the Byzantine Empire twice.

Mosaics

Pictures or designs formed by stones, tile, or glass.

Icons

Holy images of Jesus, Mary, and/or saints.

Hippodrome

A place of entertainment used for chariot races.