Flashcards for Medieval, Roman, and Early Renaissance Studies

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from Medieval, Roman, and Early Renaissance Studies.

What is the Ius Civile?

The civil law of Rome, applicable to Roman citizens.

What did the Stoics believe?

Rationality, self-control, virtue as the highest good.

What did the Epicureans believe?

Happiness through pleasure and absence of pain; simple living.

What did Romans believe was the primary function of art?

To be practical and serve public or political purposes.

The 10 Commandments are associated with which religion?

Judaism (also Christianity and Islam).

Why is Petrarch considered a Renaissance forerunner?

He revived classical learning and humanism.

How is a Petrarchan sonnet organized?

Octave (ABBAABBA) + Sestet (CDECDE or variation).

Who wrote The Canterbury Tales? Why unfinished?

Geoffrey Chaucer; died before completing it.

What is Christine de Pizan's Treasure of the City of Ladies about?

A guide for women on virtue, education, and roles in society.

Which emperor granted Christians religious freedom?

Constantine (Edict of Milan).

Why did Constantine choose Byzantium as his capital?

Strategic trade location and strong defenses.

How did the silk industry start in Constantinople?

Monks smuggled silkworm eggs from China.

What does Hagia Sophia mean?

Holy Wisdom.

Primary art forms of Byzantine culture?

Mosaics and icons.

What is a theocracy?

Government ruled by religious leaders or laws.

Charlemagne's cultural contributions?

Promoted education, Latin standardization, Church reform.

Who wrote Charlemagne's palace school curriculum?

Alcuin of York.

Subjects in the quadrivium and trivium?

Trivium: grammar, logic, rhetoric. Quadrivium: arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy.

What is feudalism?

System of land-for-service among lords and vassals.

Meaning of 'chansons de geste'?

Songs of heroic deeds.

Who does Charlemagne's army fight in The Song of Roland?

Muslims; portrayed as enemies of Christianity.

Main subjects of The Song of Roland?

Loyalty, honor, Christian faith, heroism.

Who guides Dante in The Divine Comedy?

Virgil.

Causes of Rome's fall?

Overexpansion, economic trouble, invasions, military decline.

Why are Diocletian and Constantine important?

Diocletian restructured empire; Constantine legalized Christianity.

What is parchment?

Animal skin used for writing.

What decorated Carolingian Psalters?

Gold, precious materials, Carolingian minuscule script.

Main Roman architectural elements?

Arches, domes, vaults, concrete.

Who did Juvenal satirize?

Corruption and moral decay in Roman society.

Why are Cimabue and Giotto Renaissance precursors?

Introduced naturalism and emotion into art.

Monasticism derives from what Greek word?

Monachos (solitary).

Monastic order during Carolingian period?

Benedictines.

Benedictine monastery motto?

'Ora et labora' (Pray and work).

Why did women join monastic life in the Middle Ages?

Education, autonomy, spiritual life, avoid marriage.

Define a cappella.

Vocal music without instruments.

Define monophonic.

Single melodic line, no harmony.

How was the plague transmitted?

Fleas on rats, airborne, contact with infected.

How was the plague fought?

Quarantine, fleeing, burning infected areas.

Economic effects of the plague?

Labor shortages, higher wages, social changes.

Romanesque vs. Gothic architecture?

Romanesque: thick walls, small windows, rounded arches. Gothic: pointed arches, flying buttresses, stained glass.

What is a flying buttress?

External arch support allowing taller structures.

What is a tympanum?

Decorated half-circle over church door.

First Gothic cathedral?

Basilica of Saint Denis.

Impact of Gothic cathedral on towns?

Religious, economic, and cultural hub; attracted pilgrims.