Feudalism and Political Developments in Medieval Europe

Vikings

Scandinavian raiders, traders, and explorers.

Magyars

Nomadic horsemen from present-day Hungary.

Muslims

Invaders from the south, targeting Italy and Spain.

Feudalism

Political system based on land use and loyalty.

Lord

Landowner granting fiefs for military service.

Vassal

Recipient of a fief, serving the lord.

Fief

Land granted by a lord to a vassal.

Serfs

Bound peasants working the lord's land.

Manor

Lord's estate, self-sufficient economic unit.

Peasant Life

Daily struggles of serfs and free peasants.

Tithe

One-tenth of income paid to the church.

Clovis

Frankish leader who united tribes and converted to Christianity.

Charlemagne

Frankish king who expanded and revived learning.

The Great Schism

Division between Eastern and Western Christian churches.

Iconoclasm

Destruction of religious images by the Eastern Church.

Canon Law

Church laws governing religious practices.

Excommunication

Banishment from the Church, denying salvation.

Interdict

Suspension of sacraments in a ruler's lands.

Holy Roman Empire

Political entity in central Europe under emperors.

Papal States

Territories under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope.

Concordat of Worms

Treaty limiting lay investiture of bishops.

Pope Innocent III

Powerful pope who excommunicated kings.

Bishops

Clerical leaders overseeing church governance.

Knights

Warriors serving lords in exchange for land.

Peasant Duties

Labor and grain portions owed to the lord.

Manor House

Main residence of the lord on the manor.

Medieval Life Span

Average life expectancy around 35 years.

Serf Responsibilities

Tending land, animals, and maintaining the estate.