Witchcraft and Magic in the Middle Ages

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary and concepts related to witchcraft and magic during the Middle Ages, providing definitions and context to aid in understanding the material.

Middle Ages

Period from the 5th to 15th century CE in Europe.

Conversion Period

First period of the Middle Ages (5th - 12th century) characterized by the transition to Orthodox Christianity.

Heresy

Beliefs or practices contrary to the established doctrines of Christianity; often persecuted.

Orthodoxy

'Right belief'; the authoritative set of beliefs in a religion.

Nicene Creed

A formal statement of Christian beliefs first adopted in 325 CE.

Magic

Practices involving the manipulation of supernatural forces; this period saw a distinction between 'high' and 'low' magic.

Hagiographies

Writings that describe the lives of saints.

Alchemy

A medieval precursor to chemistry, focused on the transformation of base metals into noble metals and the search for the philosopher's stone.

Astrology

The study of movements of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs.

Inquisition

A formal series of investigations by the Church into heretical practices, often involving persecution.

Picatrix

An influential Arabic text on astrology and magic, translated into Latin in the 12th century.

Malleus Maleficarum

A treatise on witchcraft that provided a guide for hunting witches, written by Heinrich Kramer.

Maleficia

Harmful magic or black magic believed to cause injury or misfortune.

Diabolism

Worship or pact with Satan; a concept closely linked to witchcraft.

Witch Trials

Judicial proceedings aimed at prosecuting individuals accused of witchcraft, often resulting in executions.

Saducismus Triumphatus

A text arguing for the existence of witchcraft and the supernatural, written by Joseph Glanvill.

Blockula

The supposed meeting place of witches with Satan in folklore.

The Witch Hunts

A wave of trials and executions across Europe from circa 1450 to 1750, targeting mainly women accused of witchcraft.