Medieval Europe

Medieval Era

Also known as the Middle Ages, characterized by the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance.

Axial Age

A pivotal period from 800 BCE to 200 CE when major philosophical and religious developments occurred.

Judaism

Monotheistic religion that is considered the oldest of the three major monotheisms, with foundational texts including the Torah.

Abraham

Regarded as the first Jew and monotheist who established a covenant with God, central figure in Judaism.

Moses

A prophet who led Israelites out of Egypt in an event known as the Exodus and received the Ten Commandments.

Torah

The first five books of the Bible, containing the laws and teachings central to Judaism.

Zionism

A movement for the re-establishment and support of a Jewish state in Israel.

Christianity

A religion that emerged from Judaism centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

Feudalism

A political and military system in medieval Europe where nobles owned land and offered protection in exchange for service.

Manorialism

An economic and social system that organized rural economies during the Middle Ages, based on the lord-serf relationship.

Primogeniture

A system of inheritance where the firstborn son inherits all wealth and titles.

Peasant Revolt

Common uprisings by peasants against the feudal system and harsh conditions.

Crusades

Military campaigns called by the Pope aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Scholasticism

A method of critical thought which dominated teaching by the academics ('scholastics') of medieval universities.

Black Death

The epidemic that wiped out a significant portion of Europe's population in the 14th century, leading to social and economic upheaval.

Renaissance

The cultural movement that marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity in Europe.

Pope

The bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Vatican City

An independent city-state enclaved within Rome, serving as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Papacy

The office or authority of the Pope.

Protestantism

A branch of Christianity that arose from the Reformation, emphasizing the authority of the Scripture over church traditions.

Catholic Church

The largest Christian church, led by the Pope in Rome, characterized by its sacraments and adherence to tradition.

Sabbath

The day of rest and worship in Judaism, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Messiah

In Judaism, a future Jewish king from the Davidic line, expected to be anointed; in Christianity, Jesus is recognized as the Messiah.