Medieval Architecture and Culture Study Sheet

These flashcards contain vocabulary terms and their definitions related to medieval architecture, culture, key figures, and concepts that are essential for studying and understanding the material for the exam.

Medieval

Origin from Latin 'aeuw', meaning the 'middle age,' encompassing the 5th to 15th century, also known as the 'age of faith.'

Pax Romana

Meaning 'Roman Peace,' a time frame approximately from 27 BC to 180 AD.

Barrel Vault

A long tunnel of continuous arch vault.

Groin Vault

An intersection of two barrel vaults.

Triumphal Arch

A free-standing monumental structure in the shape of an archway with one or more arched passageways.

Franks

A Germanic people from the Rhine region who invaded and settled Roman Gaul in the 5th century.

Merovingian Dynasty

Ruled from 481 to 751, founded by Clovis I, the first ruler of the Franks.

Carolingian Dynasty

Ruled from 751 to 987, founded by Pepin the Short.

Charlemagne

Crowned as Emperor of the West on December 25, 800, by Pope Leo III.

Motte and Bailey Castle

Motte is a raised earth mound where the keep is located; Bailey is the enclosed courtyard below.

Feudalism

A social system in medieval society based on land exchange for loyalty and service.

Three Orders of Society

Pray (Clergy), Fight (Knights/Nobles), Work (Peasants/Serfs).

Capetians

Ruled from 987 to 1328, known for establishing the Capetian Dynasty of French Kings.

Basilica

Originally a Roman public hall or law court, later adapted as early Christian churches.

Martyr

A person who is killed for their faith.

Relic

A sacred object linked to a saint, such as a body part or item.

Romanesque Architecture

Characterized by round arch windows and barrel vaults.

Pilgrimage

A religious journey to visit holy sites or relics.

Spolia

Reused older Roman materials in new buildings.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious beliefs and practices.

Chalice

A metal cup used to hold sacred wine during communion.

Paten

A small plate usually made of precious metal that holds the Eucharistic bread.

Monastery

A community where monks live, pray, and work.

Abbot Suger

An important figure in early Gothic architecture, known for rebuilding Saint Denis.

Cathars

A heretical Christian sect active in southern France.

Gargoyle

A carved water spout used to drain rainwater from a building.

Dado

The lower portion of an interior wall that is often decorated.

Fleur de Lys

The royal emblem of France, associated with purity and divine kingship.

Medieval

Origin from Latin 'aeuw', meaning the 'middle age,' encompassing the 5th to 15th century, also known as the 'age of faith.'

Pax Romana

Meaning 'Roman Peace,' a time frame approximately from 27 BC to 180 AD.

Barrel Vault

A long tunnel of continuous arch vault.

Groin Vault

An intersection of two barrel vaults.

Triumphal Arch

A free-standing monumental structure in the shape of an archway with one or more arched passageways.

Franks

A Germanic people from the Rhine region who invaded and settled Roman Gaul in the 5th century.

Merovingian Dynasty

Ruled from 481 to 751, founded by Clovis I, the first ruler of the Franks.

Carolingian Dynasty

Ruled from 751 to 987, founded by Pepin the Short.

Charlemagne

Crowned as Emperor of the West on December 25, 800, by Pope Leo III.

Motte and Bailey Castle

Motte is a raised earth mound where the keep is located; Bailey is the enclosed courtyard below.

Feudalism

A social system in medieval society based on land exchange for loyalty and service.

Three Orders of Society

Pray (Clergy), Fight (Knights/Nobles), Work (Peasants/Serfs).

Capetians

Ruled from 987 to 1328, known for establishing the Capetian Dynasty of French Kings.

Basilica

Originally a Roman public hall or law court, later adapted as early Christian churches.

Martyr

A person who is killed for their faith.

Relic

A sacred object linked to a saint, such as a body part or item.

Romanesque Architecture

Characterized by round arch windows and barrel vaults.

Pilgrimage

A religious journey to visit holy sites or relics.

Spolia

Reused older Roman materials in new buildings.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious beliefs and practices.

Chalice

A metal cup used to hold sacred wine during communion.

Paten

A small plate usually made of precious metal that holds the Eucharistic bread.

Monastery

A community where monks live, pray, and work.

Abbot Suger

An important figure in early Gothic architecture, known for rebuilding Saint Denis.

Cathars

A heretical Christian sect active in southern France.

Gargoyle

A carved water spout used to drain rainwater from a building.

Dado

The lower portion of an interior wall that is often decorated.

Fleur de Lys

The royal emblem of France, associated with purity and divine kingship.

Mendicant Orders

Religious orders, like Franciscans and Dominicans, who lived among the people and relied on begging.

Pointed Arch

A key architectural element of Gothic cathedrals that allowed for greater height and lighter walls.

Flying Buttress

External supports characteristic of Gothic architecture, transferring the thrust of the vaults to the ground.

Rib Vault

A skeletal framework of arches, supporting the roof and allowing for thinner walls in Gothic churches.

Stained Glass

Panels of colored glass held together by lead strips, depicting stories and illuminating Gothic interiors.

Gothic Cathedral

A large, important church built in the Gothic style, known for its height, light, and intricate decoration.

Sainte-Chapelle

A royal chapel in Paris, a prime example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, famed for its vast stained glass.

University

Institutions that emerged in the High Middle Ages, offering higher education in law, medicine, and theology.

Tapestry

A form of textile art, traditionally woven by hand on a loom, used for insulation and decoration in Medieval castles.

Illuminated Manuscript

Hand-written books decorated with illustrations and ornamental designs, often created in monasteries.