Early Christian Ireland, the Middle Ages, and the Normans

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Early Christian Ireland (manuscripts and high crosses), Middle Ages social life and causes of death, and the Norman invasions of Britain and Ireland.

Scriptorium

The room or workshop where scribes created manuscripts in Early Christian Ireland.

Manuscripts (Early Christian Ireland)

Texts written by hand with quill and ink in Latin by scribes on vellum or parchment, illuminated with designs and images (such as the Book of Kells).

Book of Kells

An example of an Early Christian Irish illuminated manuscript written in Latin by scribes.

High crosses

Stone monuments made by stone masons showing images of the Bible that helped convert the illiterate Irish population and served as status symbols.

Cross of the Scriptures

A famous high cross located in Clonmacnoise.

Peasants (Middle Ages)

A group in the social hierarchy of the Middle Ages comprising serfs and freemen.

Causes of Death in the Middle Ages

Major causes of mortality listed as diseases (such as the Black Death), poor living conditions, fire, warfare/attack, and medieval punishments.

William the Conqueror

The leader associated with the Norman invasion of Britain and the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Battle of Hastings 1066

A key battle fought during the Norman invasion of Britain led by William the Conqueror.

Bayeux Tapestry

An embroidered cloth depicting the events surrounding William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion of Britain.

Dermot McMorrough

The Irish leader who fought against Rory O'Connor and asked King Henry II for help, leading to the Norman invasion of Ireland.

Norman invasion of Ireland

An event triggered when Dermot McMorrough asked King Henry II for help against Rory O'Connor, resulting in the Normans capturing Dublin from the Vikings.