Middle Ages

Middle Ages

Period from 500 to 1500 AD.

Dark Ages

Term for cultural stagnation during Middle Ages.

St. Patrick

Missionary who spread Christianity in Ireland.

Benedictine Rule

Guidelines for monastic life established by St. Benedict.

Papal Power

Increase in authority of the popes.

Gregory I

Pope who expanded papal influence and power.

Merovingian Dynasty

First ruling dynasty of the Franks in France.

Clovis

First king of the Franks, converted to Christianity.

Mayor of the Palace

Official managing royal household and kingdom affairs.

Charles Martel

Defeated Muslims at the Battle of Tours.

Pepin III

First king of the Carolingian dynasty.

Charlemagne

Crowned Roman Emperor in 800 AD.

Louis the Pious

Ineffective ruler, son of Charlemagne.

Treaty of Verdun

Division of Charlemagne's empire among his grandsons.

Feudal System

Social structure based on land ownership and protection.

Fief

Land granted to vassals for service.

Vassal

Person receiving land from a lord.

Serfs

Peasants bound to the land, not slaves.

Manor

Self-sufficient estate of a lord.

Tithe

Church tax equal to 10% of income.

Knighthood

Status of being a knight, requiring training.

Chivalry

Code of conduct for knights emphasizing bravery.

Page

First stage of knight training, starting at age 7.

Squire

Knight's apprentice, training at age 14.

Trial by Combat

Dispute resolution through physical battle.

Trial by Ordeal

Accused undergoes a painful test to prove innocence.

Power of the Church

Increased influence of the church over society.

Canon Law

Body of laws governing the church.

Holy Roman Empire

Political entity formed in Germany and Italy.