Middle Ages and Roman Empire Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the fall of Rome, feudalism, Japanese samurai, and the Byzantine Empire.

Middle Ages

The period lasting about a thousand years between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance, also referred to interchangeably as the Dark Ages, medieval ages, or middle period.

Feudalism

A system based on the granting of land in exchange for loyalty, military assistance, and other services.

Shogun

The actual military ruler of Japan in the Japanese feudal system.

Samurai

Skilled fighters in Japan who followed a code stressing loyalty, bravery, and an honorable death by their own hands rather than being captured and tortured.

Code of Chivalry

The code followed by European knights that stressed loyalty, bravery, and kindness, with harsh social consequences such as a mock funeral if violated.

Manorial System

The economic system in the Middle Ages built around a manor, which was a large estate that met all the needs of those living there.

Diocletian

The ruler who divided the Roman Empire into two parts because it was too big and lacked strong leadership.

Emperor Constantine

The Roman emperor whose conversion to Christianity transformed the entire Roman Empire.

Constantinople

A major city in the Eastern Roman Empire that later changed its name to Istanbul in modern-day Turkey.

Byzantine Empire

The term used specifically when referring to the Eastern Roman Empire.

Pax Romana

A period translated as meaning peace in the Roman Empire.

Yasuki

An African man who arrived with the Portuguese in Japan during the Namban trade and is believed to be the first African seen by Nobunaga.