Chapter 14- A New Civilization in Europe

Landmass

one very large, unbroken area of land

Topography

arrangement of physical features

Middle Ages

period between the collapse of the Roman Empire, about AD 500, and the beginning of Modern Age, about AD 1500

Medieval

related to the Middle Ages

Charlemagne

also known as Charles the Great; son of Pepin the Short and grandson of Charles Martel; one of the most famous rulers of the early Middle Ages- became king in 768, conquered nearby people including the Saxons (who he converted to Christianity), expanded the empire to include most of central and western Europe, and encouraged law and learning, died in 814

Diffusion

spread (of Christianity)

Religious Order

a community of men or women devoted to prayer and service bound by certain vows

Benedict of Nursia

an Italian monk who left the Roman church bc corruption to be a hermit, and started a monastery in 529; his rules became the basis for all monasteries in Europe- lasting impact on monastic life

Abbot

head of the monastery

St. Patrick

one of the earliest and most famous missionaries who converted most of Ireland to Christianity by becoming close friends with the local tribes and building more than 300 churches

Sacraments

sacred rights of the Church

Fief

grant of land

Serf

peasants who were legally "tied" to the lord's land and could not leave it

Chivalry

Christian warrior's code of behavior

Manor

the self-sufficient estate of a medieval lord

Why were rivers important in European history?

Rivers were important in European history, because they were used for several different purposes. They became highways for trade, brought water to farmland, formed boundaries, carried rich soil, and provided a place for cities to be built on.

What was Charlemagne's goal?

Charlemagne's goal was to unite the empire and turn it into a Christian empire in Europe.

Why is Europe called the peninsula of peninsulas?

Europe is called a peninsula of peninsulas because it is one big peninsula attached to Asia, with several peninsulas extending from it.

How did topography influence migration and invasion routes to Europe?

Topography influenced migration and invasion routes to Europe, because its mountains and rivers served as protection and barriers.

Who were the first people to control much of central and western Europe after the Romans?

The first people to control much of central and western Europe after the Romans were the Franks.

What was the main strength and weakness of Charlemagne's empire?

The main strengths of Charlemagne's empire was that he had a strong military, a close relationship with the church, and a love for God and learning. However, the main weakness of the empire was that there was not a strong government structure.

What were some of the kinds of work that monks and nuns performed?

prayer and study, worked in libraries or copied religious manuscripts, beekeeping and grow herbs and food, caring for the poor or sick, and spent time in agriculture or farming.

Who were missionaries?

Missionaries were sent to spread Christianity into different lands. They converted much of medieval Europe to Christianity, which became the central religion. They convinced a lot of people by describing hell as suffering and Heaven as perfect, and the only way they could get to Heaven was believing in God and Jesus as our Savior.

What are monasteries?

places where people could devote their lives to deep study and prayer

Why did religious orders have strict rules?

Religious orders had strict rules because it allowed the Church to keep power and to prevent greed and corruption.

Who were St. Patrick and St. Boniface?

St. Patrick and St. Boniface were both Christian missionaries who played an important role in the spread of Christianity. St. Patrick converted most of Ireland and founded over 300 churches, while St. Boniface established the Catholic Church in Germany and the Netherlands.

How did the work of missionaries in medieval Europe influence our world today?

The work of missionaries in medieval Europe influenced our world today, because as they spread Christianity, more people converted and then spread their faith. Now, Christianity is the largest religion in the world. Also, some of the customs started by pre-Christian religions became included in Christianity.

CP 399

CP 403

Sec 3 1a

Sec 3 1b

Sec 3 2a

Sec 3 2b

Who was Charles Martel?

Who was Pepin the Short?

Who was Charlemagne?

Who was St. Patrick?

Who was Gregory I?

Who was St. Boniface?

Between 476 and 1050, what were three countries converted to Christianity?

Was France or Russia converted first?

How did Europe react to the fall of the Roman Empire?

Who came to hold the power once held by the Roman Emperor?

How did Christianity spread across Europe?

What was feudalism and why did it develop?