High Middle Ages Terms & Advancements

Vernacular

Everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a specific region rather than formal Latin.

Magna Carta

The "Great Charter" signed by King John in 1215 that limited the king's power and guaranteed political rights.

Parliament

A group of representatives (knights and burgesses) called to discuss laws and approve taxes; limited the king's power.

Three-field system

Agricultural advancement where crops were grown on two-thirds of land instead of half, increasing food production.

Guild

An organization of people in the same industry working to improve economic and social conditions.

Estates General

France's version of parliament consisting of three groups: Clergy, Nobles, and Commoners.

Secular

Matters concerned with worldly or non-religious affairs; used to prove if someone was faithful to the church.

Heavy Plow

A major technological breakthrough that allowed for better farming in tough European soil.

Banking

Originally not allowed for Catholics; Jewish people became prominent in this field to support growing trade.

Jury Trial

A group of citizens that hears evidence and decides the guilt or innocence of a person.