MRS PAYLS EARLY MIDDLE AGES AD 500-1000

Franks

Germanic tribe that conquered and settled in Gaul.

Gaul

The territory that became modern-day France.

Clovis

Germanic ruler who converted to Christianity.

Monks and nuns

Religious people who devoted their lives to worship and prayer. Monks gave up private possessions.

Monasteries and convents

Communities where monks and nuns lived religious lives.

Papacy

The office or authority of the pope.

Christendom

A spiritual Christian kingdom spreading from Rome to distant churches.

Mayor of the palace

Official in charge of the Frankish king’s household and estates; later the power behind the throne.

Charles Martel

Frankish mayor of the palace who defeated an invading army at the Battle of Tours in A.D. 732.

Pepin the Short

Became King of the Franks with the pope’s support.

Papal States

Territory in Italy under the pope’s political control.

Charlemagne

Greatest king of the Franks; crowned emperor in A.D. 800.

Vikings

Raiders, traders, and explorers from Scandinavia.

Leif Erikson

Viking explorer who reached North America’s coast and named the land Vinland.

Feudalism

Medieval system based on loyalty, landholding, and rule by local officials.

Infantry

Foot soldiers.

Cavalry

Soldiers mounted on horseback.

Lord

Person who grants land to a vassal.

Vassal

Person who receives land from a lord.

Fief

Land granted by a lord to a vassal; the political basis of feudalism.

Investiture

Ceremony in which a lord symbolically gives a vassal a sign of land ownership.

Manor

Small, self-sufficient agricultural estate with peasants.

Freedmen

Free peasants who could leave the manor.

Serfs

Peasants bound to the land who could not leave.

Knight

Mounted warrior of noble status.

What five names describe A.D. 500–1500?

The Middle Ages, Medieval Period, Dark Ages, Feudal Period, and Age of Faith.

When did the Western Roman Empire fall?

A.D. 476.

What three territories developed after Rome fell?

The Byzantine Empire, the Islamic Empire, and the Germanic West.

What three cultures shaped medieval society?

The classical heritage of Rome, the Roman Catholic Church, and Germanic tribal customs.

How was Roman society different from Germanic society?

Roman society emphasized public government and law. Germanic society emphasized family ties and personal loyalty.

What institution survived the fall of Rome?

The Christian Church.

What did land equal during the Middle Ages?

Land = wealth = power.

What happened to trade after Rome fell?

Trade declined because warfare, pirates, and outlaws made travel unsafe.

What happened to cities after Rome fell?

Cities declined, populations decreased, and people moved to the countryside for food.

What happened to literacy?

Literacy declined, Roman schools and libraries disappeared, and the Church became a major center of learning.

What are Romance languages?

Languages descended from Latin, including Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian.

Why did strong central government decline?

Germanic rulers lacked the organization and resources to control large territories and maintain order.

What were Germanic kings missing?

Control of large populations, large armies, good roads and bridges, and effective succession rules.

What is a priest?

A religious leader in charge of a parish church.

What is a bishop?

A church leader in charge of a diocese containing several parishes.

What is a monastery?

A community where monks live.

What is a convent or nunnery?

A community where nuns live.

Who was Benedict?

An abbot who created the Benedictine Rule around A.D. 540.

What were the main Benedictine rules?

Monks stayed in the monastery, followed a schedule of prayer and work, studied religious writings, and ate simple meals.

Why were monasteries important?

They preserved learning, operated schools and libraries, copied books, farmed, and provided care and shelter.

Who was Clovis?

The first Germanic ruler to convert to Christianity, according to your notes.

Who were the Merovingians?

The Frankish dynasty associated with Clovis and his successors.

What was the mayor of the palace’s role?

Officially managed the king’s household and estates; eventually held real power behind the throne.

What was the Battle of Tours?

A.D. 732 battle in which Charles Martel and the Franks defeated an invading Islamic army.

Why did Pepin the Short become king?

He gained the pope’s support and became King of the Franks.

What was the Donation of Pepin?

Pepin gave the pope control over territory in Italy, helping establish the Papal States.

What were the consequences of the Donation of Pepin?