chapter16 vocab

Odoacer

A Germanic general who deposed the last western emperor of the Roman Empire.

Caesaropapism

A policy where the emperor controls both the government and the church's ecclesiastical affairs.

Missi dominici

Charlemagne's imperial officials who traveled annually to review local authorities.

Byzantine Empire

The eastern Roman Empire, strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Theodora

The ambitious wife, supporter, and adviser of Emperor Justinian.

Franks

The most successful Germanic people; they conquered Roman Gaul and became a major power in western Europe.

Aegean Sea

The body of water between Greece and the Anatolian peninsula.

Corpus iuris civilis

Justinian's codification of Roman law and his most significant political contribution.

Carolingian Dynasty

An aristocratic clan founded by Charles Martel that extended Frankish power.

Constantinople

The site of the eastern Roman imperial government, chosen for its strategic location.

Louis the Pious

Charlemagne's only surviving son, who gradually lost control of his father's kingdom.

Justinian

The most important Byzantine emperor, ruling from 527 to 565 CE.

Hagia Sophia

An important example of Christian architecture known for its magnificent dome.

Greek Fire

A secret and highly effective incendiary weapon used by Byzantine forces.

Charlemagne

The greatest Carolingian king, who ruled much of Europe for over 46 years.

Papacy

The spiritual authority of the western Christian church based in Rome.

Monasticism

Religious communities devoted to pursuing holiness rather than worldly success.

Asceticism

Self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.

Schism

The east-west split creating the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

St. Scholastica

Adapted Benedictine rules to guide the religious lives of women in convents.

Magyars

Expert horsemen descended from nomadic tribes who settled Hungary and raided Europe.

St. Basil

An important and influential Byzantine reformer and patriarch from 327–379 CE.

Patriarchs

Leaders of the Byzantine church appointed and controlled by Byzantine emperors.

Vikings

Seafaring raiders from the north who were among the most feared invaders of Europe.

Missionaries

Representatives of the Pope who sought to convert Germanic kings and their subjects to Christianity.

Iconoclasm

The belief that venerating holy images was idol worship, leading to their destruction.

Feudalism

Medieval Europe's political and social hierarchy of lords and vassals handling political and military affairs.

St. Benedict

A Roman church reformer who helped establish rules for monastic life.

Gregory I

The pope who strengthened the independent Roman church and reasserted papal primacy.