Feudal Europe Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms related to the development of feudalism in medieval Europe.

Middle Ages

A roughly 1,000-year period (500-1450) following the collapse of Rome, also known as the medieval period.

Charlemagne

A powerful Frankish king who ruled much of western Europe by 800 and built an empire greater than any known since ancient Rome.

Monastery

Religious structures where monks practiced a life of prayer and worship, studied Christian works, and made copies of the Bible.

Feudalism

A political and social system that emerged in Europe as a way for kings and nobles to hold onto their land and power amid warfare.

Lord

A powerful noble who owned land and gave pieces of it to lesser nobles called vassals.

Serf

People who lived and worked on the land belonging to a lord or vassal in return for shelter and protection.

Clovis

A Frankish leader who invaded Roman Gaul in 486 and established a kingdom.

Vassal

Lesser nobles who were given land (fiefs) by lords in return for service in court, army, and taxes.

Pirate

A person who robs ships at sea

Dominate

To control or hold power over.