Unit 1: The Middle Ages in Europe

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, figures, systems, and concepts from the lecture notes on Unit 1: The Middle Ages in Europe.

Dark Ages

A period marked by the Fall of Rome, characterized by low learning, low trade, no common language, and fragmentation into Germanic villages.

Clovis

The 1st barbarian leader to convert to Christianity.

Charles Martel

The leader who led a Christian army to victory against Islamic forces at the Battle of Tours in 732, stopping Muslim expansion in Western Europe.

Battle of Tours

A battle in 732 where Charles Martel defeated Islamic forces, stopping Muslim expansion in Western Europe.

Charlemagne

Also known as Charles the Great, a devout Christian warrior and Carolingian Empire leader who was crowned in 800 as Emperor of the Romans.

Emperor of the Romans

A title crowned to Charlemagne in 800, symbolizing the unity of Roman, Christian, and Germanic elements in Europe.

Saxons

A group defeated to the east by Charlemagne's forces and converted to Christianity.

Vikings

A notable group of invaders and excellent seafarers who specialized in hit-and-run style tactics using long ships or dragon ships to conduct coastal raids.

Feudalism

A system based on the provision of land (fief) for military service, structured from King to Serfs.

Fief

The land provided in exchange for military service under the feudal system.

Feudal Contract

The foundational contract detailing the relationships between people in the feudal system.

Chivalry

A code followed by knights, who also participated in jousts.

Manorial System

An agricultural estate system owned by a lord and worked by serfs, featuring a land-based self-sufficient economy that replaced Roman slavery.

Serfs

Individuals legally bound to the land who tend crops, perform all physical labor, pay rent, follow a rigid calendar, and must ask permission to leave the estate.

Canon Law

A code of ecclesiastical laws governing the Catholic Church that applies to all members of the church.

Saint Benedict

The creator of rules for monks focused on obedience, poverty, and chastity.

Monasteries

Communities outside of the feudal social structure where monks and nuns lived, worked, and preserved Latin works.

Papal Supremacy

The claim made by the Pope of having 100% control over all kings and emperors.

Investiture Controversy

A dispute where kings argued with the Pope over who had authority over Bishops.

Excommunication and Interdict

Actions used by the Catholic Church to win disputes against kings and emperors.