Medieval Europe

Middle Ages

The period of European history starting from the Fall of the Roman Empire until the fall of Constantinople.

Date of the Fall of the Roman Empire

5th century or 476 AD

Date of the Fall of Constantinople

1453AD

Period of Medieval Europe

c. 1000 - 1453

Western Europe

The western part of Europe including countries such as France, Germany and Italy.

Unified Roman World

Roman territories that were governed and connected by one rule.

Inflation

A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.

Feudalism

The dominant social system in medieval Europe, in which the nobility held lands from the Crown in exchange for military service, and vassals were in turn tenants of the nobles, while the peasants (villeins or serfs) were obliged to live on their lord's land and give him homage, labour, and a share of the produce, notionally in exchange for military protection.

Serf

The poorest slave and peasant class. They worked on the land of the lords and worked the land in exchange for military protection and housing. They were expected to work the land and pay rent for housing.

Magna Carta

A historical document that limited the power of monarchy and laid the groundwork for the modern government.

Date the Magna Carta was signed

1215AD

Coronation

The act or ceremony of anointing a monarchy ruler done by a religious leader to symbolise that they were appointed by God.

Catholicism

The main form of Christianity in Medieval Europe set by the Roman Catholic Church.

Bible

The holy book of Christianity

Monastery

The institutions of monks who lived, prayed and engaged in scholar work for God.

Pope

The bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic church

Clergy

Formal leaders of the Catholic church such as priests, bishops and the Pope

Reformation

The split of the Roman Catholic Church into the Protestant domination.

Date of the Reformation

16th century

Islam

An Abrahamic monotheistic religion centred in Quran and the teachings of Muhammed

Quran

The holy book of Islam

Crusades

A series of religious battles to capture Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land from Islamic controls

Date of the Crusade

11th - 13th century or 1095AD - 1272AD

Charlemagne’s birth

742

Charlemagne

King of the Franks and became the first Holy Roman Emperor. Encouraged countries to only adopt Medieval Latin as a language, use only one currency, laws and policies leading to feudalism and pressured conversion of Catholicism.

Date of Charlemagne’s reign

768 - 814

Date of Thomas Aquinas Life

1225 - 1274 or 13th century

Thomas Aquinas

A Catholic theologian and philosopher who attempted to merge faith with reason, arguing that both could co exist.

Date of Martin Luther Life

1483 - 1546

Martin Luther

Challenged practices of the Catholic Church during the Reformation. Wrote the theses Ninety-Five Theses in 1517.

Muhammed

A religious figure in Islam who was supposedly hearing the voice of God for 23 years. Laid the ground work for the religion of Quran.

Louis IX

Played a significant role in the 7th and 8th crusades defending Christian interests in the Holy Land. His reign led to more centralised power and a more unified French identity.

Date of Louis IX reign

1226 - 1270

Joan of Arc

A French peasant girl who, in the 15th century, claimed divine guidance, played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War, and led French forces to several key victories, ultimately being captured and executed by the English. She was later canonised as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Date of Joan of Arc’s execution

1431

Rivers

Allowed for transportation, trade, communication, fresh water, fish and natural barriers.

North Europe climate

Cold, grew grains such as wheat, barley and rye.

South Mediterranean climate

Warmer, grew olives, grapes and citrus.

Forests

Provided wood, fur, food and other animal products

Date of Charlemagne’s coronation as the Holy Roman Emperor

Christmas Day, 800 AD

Date of the Battle of Hastings

1066 AD

Battle of Hastings

A war between William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, and King Harold of England, making William the Conqueror in charge of England and brought the French language to England

Black Death

A decease that spread across Europe, killing one third of the population.

Date of the Black Death

1347AD

Constantinople

A major city of trade and culture, that fell to the Ottoman Turks

Columbus finds America

A journey that led to the discovery of a new country and made new trade routes for Europe.

Date of Columbus finding America

1492 AD

Merchants & Craftsmen

People who sold goods or used special skills for business

Women

Played a part of managing households and land if the husband was away.

Date of the first university

11th century

Subjects in university

Religion, law and medicine

Universities

Only men could join and Lattin was the official learning language

Date of Catholic church prominence

5th to 15th century

Church impact

Gave rules and suggestions into societal norms all based around the Church

Summa Theoligica

A theology written by Thomas Aquinas, discussing themes of God and reason

Decline of Feudalism

Invasions and Wars meant people relied more on kings and unified defence

Plagues wiping out people meant peasants could demand better work conditions, weaking the feudal system

Trade increased meant more people moved to other cities, weakening the lord’s power

Rise of kings led to monarchy having more power at the expense of the lords.

Impact of the Decline of Feudalism

A shift of power from lords tot kings and the common people

Greater freedom, education and culture

Date of the Peasant Revolt

1381