Medieval Science & Technology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, concepts, and technological advancements during the Medieval (or Dark) Ages, including the fall of Rome, geography, church influence, the Vikings, feudalism, the Black Death, and important inventions.

Medieval

A term originating from the Latin 'medium aevum' ('middle age'), first used in the 19th century, often considered an unimportant period or 'Dark Ages'.

Dark Ages

Another label for the medieval era, signifying a period perceived as lacking advancement and importance.

Fall of Rome

Occurred in 476 CE, leading to the loss of knowledge, law, culture, and technology, and the fragmentation of Europe into numerous kingdoms.

Medieval European Geography

Characterized by being bordered by water, a highly populated continent with 1/3 of its land suitable for farming and abundant forest resources.

South Zone (Medieval Europe)

An area characterized by warm temperatures and seasonal rain, excellent for farming.

North Zone (Medieval Europe)

An area characterized by slightly colder temperatures and heavy forests, providing many natural resources.

Scandinavia (Medieval Europe)

A very cold region that relied on the ocean for food and resources, distinct from other European zones.

Church Influence (Dark Ages)

The Church commanded obedience, regulated behavior with threats of Hell, and acted as a primary source of law, focusing on the 10 Commandments.

Catholic Church (Medieval Europe)

Gained significant control and influence, especially in regulating anarchic tendencies among local landlords.

Cathedral Schools

Established by the Church to address concerns and justify its authority, particularly when questioned by royal reigns during the Medieval Era.

Vikings

A group from Scandinavia in northern Europe, who, due to frozen land and limited resources, expanded south, often non-peacefully.

Viking Raiders' Impact

Their arrival destroyed unity, forcing people to prioritize survival, leading to a halt in trade and learning, and a return to the 'Dark Ages'.

Feudalism

A system of rule where individuals traded their work for protection, characterized by land ownership by one party and labor by another, with specific jobs for each social group.

Peasant

A small farmer or farm laborer of low social rank within the feudal system.

Black Death

A devastating worldwide pandemic that first struck Europe in the mid-14th century, significantly impacting the population.

Bubonic Plague

Also known as the 'black death,' characterized by skin blackening due to hemorrhages, spread by fleas and rats, and painful lymph node swellings (buboes) in the groin and armpits; most victims died within four to seven days.

Medieval Technological Inventions

Primarily agricultural due to the largely agricultural nature of medieval societies, focused on cultivation and transport of goods.

Windmills and Watermills

Technological inventions used for processing resources during the Medieval period.

Sternpost and Mariner's Compass

Technological inventions during the Medieval period, crucial for navigation and transport.

Movable Printing Press

A significant technological invention from the Medieval Era, facilitating the reproduction of text.

Wheelbarrow

A technological invention used for transporting materials during the Medieval period.

Hourglass

A technological invention used for timekeeping during the Medieval period.