Study Guide for Middle Ages

Patriarch

A leading bishop in Eastern Christianity, especially the head of the Church in Constantinople.

Schism

A split in the Church; the Great Schism of 1054 divided the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Justinian

A Byzantine emperor who tried to reunite the Roman Empire and strengthen its laws and government.

Benedict

Founder of Western monasticism who wrote the Rule of St. Benedict for monks.

Clovis

King of the Franks who converted to Christianity and gained the Church’s support.

Ordeal

A trial based on the belief that God would reveal guilt or innocence through suffering.

Charlemagne

A powerful Frankish king crowned Holy Roman Emperor who united much of Western Europe.

Feudalism

A social and political system based on land ownership, loyalty, and service.

Fealty

A vow of loyalty from a vassal to a lord.

Fief

Land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for service.

Vassal

A person who received land from a lord and promised loyalty and service.

Manors

Large farming estates that were the center of medieval economic life.

Chivalry

A code of conduct for knights that emphasized bravery, loyalty, and respect.

Guilds

Groups of merchants or craftsmen that controlled trade and training.

Bourgeoisie

Middle-class town dwellers such as merchants and artisans.

Sacraments

Important religious rituals of the Church, such as baptism and communion.

Interdict

A Church punishment that banned religious services in a region.

Lay investiture

The practice of kings appointing Church officials.

Relic

A physical object connected to a saint and believed to be holy.

Byzantine Empire

The eastern half of the Roman Empire, centered around Constantinople, lasting about 1,000 years.

Capital of the Byzantine Empire

Constantinople.

Justinian’s primary goals

To reunite the Roman Empire, strengthen laws, and defend Christianity.

How Justinian achieved his goals

Through military conquest, law reform, and support of the Church.

Justinian’s Code

A written system of Roman laws that influenced modern legal systems.

Orthodox Church

Eastern Christian Church led by a patriarch, using Greek, and allowing priests to marry.

Catholic Church

Western Christian Church led by the pope, using Latin, and requiring priests to be unmarried.

Importance of monasticism

Preserved learning, spread Christianity, and provided education and charity.

Why Frankish kings and the pope needed each other

Kings gained religious support, and the pope gained military protection.

Battle of Tours

A battle that stopped Muslim expansion into Western Europe.

Charlemagne’s accomplishments

United Western Europe, promoted education, and strengthened Christianity.

Carolingian Renaissance

A revival of learning and education under Charlemagne.

Feudal society structure

King, lords, vassals or knights, and peasants.

Purpose of a manor

To be a self-sufficient farming community providing food and protection.

Growth of medieval towns

Increased trade and surplus food from farming.

How cathedrals taught faith

Stained glass, art, and architecture taught Bible stories.

Cathedrals and business

Cathedrals attracted pilgrims and trade, boosting town economies.

Papal political power

Popes used excommunication, interdicts, and influence over rulers.

Motivations for the Crusades

Religious devotion, forgiveness of sins, wealth, land, and adventure.

Effects of the Crusades

Increased trade, cultural exchange, growth of cities, and weakened feudalism.