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A historical document that limited the power of monarchy and laid the groundwork for the modern government.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