Flashcards #10 - Feudalism/Rise of Europe

Charlemagne

Fought against Muslims & briefly united Western Europe (parts of France, Germany and Italy).

Crowned emperor of the Romans by the pope

Charlemagne

Latin

Charlemagne tried to revive this language throughout his empire.

Feudalism

A loosely organized system of government.

Vassals

Also known as lesser lords. Powerful local lords divided their land among this social class?

Fief

A piece of land and eas the foundation of the mutual obligation between the lord and vassal.

Knights

Mounted warriors provided protection.

Castles

Built by lords for defense, they had high walls, towers and drawbridges over wide moats.

Manorialism

The feudal economic system driven by the lord's estate or manor.

Serf

Lived on a manor and bound to the land.

Self-sufficient

Able to produce all things needed in daily life.

The Church

Becomes the dominant spiritual & secular (worldly) force in the lives of Christians.

Sacraments

Sacred rites of the church

Papal supremacy

The pope had the authority over all secular (worldly) rulers, kings and emperors.

Canon Law

The church's set of laws (wills, marriages and morals.

Excommunication

People who went against Canon law were not allowed to receive the sacraments or a Christian burial.

Interdict

When a noble opposed the church an entire town could possibly be excluded from receiving the sacraments.

Secular

Non-religious

Priests

Explained the bible to the people because many did not read.