High Middle Ages Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the High Middle Ages study guide.

Parliament

A group of representatives that create laws and oversee the government.

Saladin

A scholar known for his leadership during the Crusades.

Magna Carta

A charter that limited the powers of the king and established certain legal rights.

Papacy

The office, jurisdiction, and authority of the Pope, serving as the Bishop of Rome and supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Holy Land

A region situated between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing modern-day Israel and Palestinian Territories.

Pilgrimage

A sacred journey to a holy site aimed at spiritual transformation, devotion, or seeking healing and answers.

Pontiff

Another term for the Pope.

Penance

An act of self-denial, prayer, or charity assigned by a priest to express repentance for sins.

Urban II

Pope who convened the Council of Clermont, igniting the Crusades.

Long Bow

A weapon used in medieval warfare that allowed the English to defeat larger enemies.

Vernacular

The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region.

Crusades

Military campaigns initiated by Pope Urban II to retake the Holy Land from Muslims.

Reconquista

A series of military campaigns to take back the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslims.

Hundred Years War

A conflict between England and France over the rightful heir to the French throne.

Joan of Arc

A French heroine who inspired her country and led several successful campaigns before being executed.

Black Death

A devastating plague that led to a labor shortage and significant social and economic changes.

Guilds

Groups of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their craft in a particular area.

Middle Class

The social class that emerged during the Middle Ages, consisting of merchants and artisans.

End of Feudalism

The decline of the feudal system due to economic changes and increased wealth for peasants.

Urbanization

The migration of people from rural areas to cities, resulting in increased urban populations.

Apprentice

A beginner who works for a master craftsman to learn a trade.

Master

A fully qualified member of a guild who has created a masterpiece.