From Antiquity to the Middle Ages and Absolutism

Vocabulary flashcards about the transition from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, Absolutism, the English Monarchy, Feudal System, Greek and Roman Expansion, and Political Systems.

Antiquity

Period from approximately 1200 BC to 476 AD, marked by the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Greek Colonization

The practice of founding colonies along the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts.

Poleis

Independent city-states in ancient Greece.

Hellenism

Time period after Alexander the Great's death, blending Greek and Eastern cultures.

Res Publica

The Roman concept of 'the people's matter', a form of government.

Regalien

The rights exclusive to the king, like minting coins and collecting taxes.

Steuerpächtersystem

A system where the right to collect taxes is leased out by the king.

Mercantilismus

An economic system in absolutism aimed at enriching the state through colonies and trade.

Protektionismus

Protecting a country's own economy by imposing tariffs on foreign goods.

Constitutional Monarchy

A political system where the monarch's power is limited by law.

The Bill of Rights (1689)

Confirmed the power of Parliament over the King.

Feudalism

A social and political system used in medieval Europe.

Barons

Land leased from the king; Lords of the Manor.

Knights

Land given by barons in return for service.

Villeins (or Serfs)

Peasants given land by knights; had limited to no rights.

"Barbarians"

Non-Greek-speaking people.

Polis

Independent city-state and birthplace of democracy

Strategen

Military leaders in Athens

The Roman Republic (res publica)

Three-part government including Volksversammlung, Magistrat, and Senat.

Konsuln

Leaders for 1 year, led the army and state.

Tribunes of the People (Volkstribunen)

Protected the rights of common citizens.

Patricians (Patrizier)

Nobel, wealthy families.

Plebeians (Plebejer)

Common people

Hochkultur

Skill in mastering nature, civilization, organization, and culture.