Medieval Christianity and Feudal Society: Key Terms and Concepts

Patriarch

Leader of the Eastern (Orthodox) Christian Church.

Schism

Split in the Christian Church (1054: Catholic vs. Orthodox).

Justinian

Byzantine emperor who restored Roman law and expanded the empire.

Benedict

Founder of Western monasticism; wrote Rule of St. Benedict.

Clovis

First Christian king of the Franks; united Franks, gained Church support.

Ordeal

Trial believed to reveal God's judgment of guilt or innocence.

Charlemagne

Frankish ruler crowned Holy Roman Emperor; promoted learning.

Feudalism

Land-for-loyalty political system.

Fealty

Oath of loyalty to a lord.

Fief

A piece of land given by a lord to a vassal

Vassal

Person who served a lord in exchange for land.

Manors

Self-sufficient farming estates.

Chivalry

Knight's code of honor, loyalty, bravery.

Guilds

Trade groups controlling training, prices, quality.

Bourgeoisie

Middle-class merchants and townspeople.

Sacraments

Church rituals that give God's grace.

Interdict

Church ban denying sacraments to a region.

Lay Investiture

Kings appointing church officials.

Relic

Holy object linked to a saint.

Byzantine Empire

Eastern Roman Empire (Eastern Mediterranean); Capital: Constantinople; Length: 330-1453 (~1,000 years).

Justinian's Code

Organized Roman law; basis for modern legal systems.

Orthodox vs. Catholic

Catholic: Pope, Latin, Rome; Orthodox: Patriarchs, Greek, Constantinople.

Monasticism

Preserved faith, spread Christianity; preserved knowledge, provided education & stability.

Franks & Pope

Kings gained legitimacy; Pope gained protection.

Battle of Tours (732)

Stopped Muslim expansion; preserved Christian Europe.

Carolingian Renaissance

Revival of learning, education, and culture under Charlemagne.

Feudal Society

King → Nobles → Knights → Peasants/Serfs.

Manor

Self-sufficient system providing food, work, and protection.

Growth of Cities

Trade, Crusades, better farming.

Cathedrals

Taught Bible through art & architecture; pilgrims increased trade; guilds funded building.

Papal Power

Used excommunication, interdicts, and influence over rulers.

Crusades

Motives: Religion, land, wealth, adventure; Effects: More trade, cultural exchange, weaker feudalism, stronger kings.