Ancient Western Civs: Topics 6-9 Study Guide

What was the capital of the Byzantine Empire?

Constantinople.

What was the Great Schism, and what caused it?

The division of the Christian Church into two branches: Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. It was caused by disagreements between the Eastern and Western churches over religious authority, practices, and beliefs.

What was the most persistent problem within medieval governments?

Balancing a strong central government with loyalty across different regions while allowing local governments to maintain traditions and some autonomy.

Who was Charlemagne, and why was he significant?

King of the Franks who became Holy Roman Emperor. He established his palace at Aachen and helped unite much of Western Europe.

What were the roles of counts under Charlemagne?

They maintained loyal armies, collected tributes and dues, and administered justice.

What led to the conditions of feudal society?

The lack of a strong central government combined with threats of famine, disease, and invasion during the Middle Ages.

What was a warlord?

A powerful individual who offered protection to people who served them.

What was a vassal?

A person who served a lord or warlord in exchange for protection, land, or other benefits.

What was fealty?

A promise of loyalty and service to a lord.

What was a manor?

A large estate or village farm where peasants worked the land in exchange for protection and the right to use land.

What was the relationship between Otto I and Pope John XII?

Otto I had Pope John XII crown him emperor. After conflicts with the pope, Otto required popes to swear allegiance to him and future emperors.

What was the purpose of the Peace of God and Truce of God?

To reduce violence by protecting noncombatants, including women and children, and limiting when fighting could take place.

What step did Pope Gregory VII take to separate church and state?

He challenged lay investiture, meaning laypeople and rulers could no longer appoint or control high-ranking Church officials.

How were the Franciscan and Dominican Orders different from regular clergy?

They were mendicant orders that traveled into the world to preach and teach. They supported themselves through begging and donations rather than living only in monasteries or convents.

What was the purpose of the Domesday Book under King William?

It was a county-by-county survey of England's land, property, and resources used for taxation and administration.

What was the main purpose of the Magna Carta?

To limit the power of the English monarchy and establish that the king had to follow the law.

Who were the nobles in medieval society?

The upper social class who held land and often lived off the labor of others.

Who were the clergy in medieval society?

People who worked for the Church. They were divided into regular clergy, who lived under religious rules, and secular clergy, who served in the wider community.

Who were the merchants in medieval society?

People who bought and sold goods for profit and often became wealthy through trade.

Who were the peasants in medieval society?

The largest and lowest social group. They depended on lords and landowners and worked the land.

What led to rising levels of anti-Semitism in France and other areas of Western Europe?

Limited economic opportunities and competition, along with religious prejudice and accusations against Jewish communities, contributed to rising anti-Semitism.

Who attended cathedral schools, and what subjects did they learn?

Clergy and some non-clergy students. They studied subjects such as grammar, geometry, logic, and dialectic.

What were the primary causes of peasant revolts in the late Middle Ages?

Higher taxes, lower wages, and limited freedom.

What caused the Hundred Years' War, and what was its outcome?

Edward III of England claimed he was the rightful heir to the French throne. France ultimately won the war, and the English lost most of their territory in France.

Describe two laws from the Justinian Code.

Adoption law: A younger person could not adopt someone older than themselves. Public law: Rivers and ports were public and available for use.

What were the similarities between Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholicism?

All three are monotheistic religions. They believe in one God, recognize prophets, and believe in an afterlife.

What were the differences between Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholicism?

Islam: Muslims pray five times a day. Eastern Orthodox Christianity: Bishops are considered equal in authority. Roman Catholicism: The pope is the supreme leader, and priests traditionally cannot marry.

What was the three-field system, and how was it beneficial?

A farming system that divided land into three fields. Crops were rotated between two planted fields and one fallow field, improving soil fertility and creating a more consistent food supply.

What was the role of the Church within the Frankish government?

Bishops became powerful landholders and lords, the Church helped govern conquered territories, and the papal state emerged.

What was the purpose of the Crusades, and were they successful?

The Crusades aimed to reclaim the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem, from Muslim control. The First Crusade captured Jerusalem, but later Crusades failed to maintain lasting Christian control of the region.

What was one difference between Romanesque and Gothic architecture?

Romanesque architecture used rounded arches and thick walls. Gothic architecture used pointed arches, stained glass, and taller structures.

What was life like for medieval women?

Women often worked in food production, clothing production, and household tasks. They learned skills and trades, often beginning between ages 10 and 15.

What was life like for medieval children?

Children often performed labor and helped their families. Childhood was difficult, and many children died young due to disease and poor living conditions.

What was the Black Death?

A highly contagious plague that spread throughout Europe and other parts of the world during the 14th century.

What were three consequences of the Black Death?

It killed a large portion of Europe's population, labor shortages caused wages to rise, and some people believed the plague was a punishment from God and sought religious approval.

What key events occurred during the Peasant Revolt of 1381, and what were the outcomes?

Peasants refused to pay taxes, marched to London, and set fires. The revolt challenged royal authority, but it was eventually suppressed. The king regained control, and many rebels were punished.