history

Germanic Tribes

Nomadic groups that had little written record, primarily known through Roman accounts.

Gender Roles in Germanic Society

Men hunted while women managed the farmland and household duties.

Freedom and Limitations of Women

Women could own property and received shares of wealth, but faced limitations in polygynous marriages.

Germanic Dress

Typical attire included trousers, long-sleeved jackets, and wool fur coats fastened with brooches.

Food Sources

Cattle were primarily used for milk and labor, not eaten; agriculture struggled to maintain sufficient wheat.

Hoard

A term referring to the vocabulary of a poet or warrior, integral to their identity and wisdom.

Clovis

Frankish king known for establishing a treaty with the Roman Catholic Church.

Charles Martel

Key figure who defended France from Islamic expansion, respected for military leadership.

Wergild

A fine paid to a victim's family to prevent revenge killings, reflecting Germanic legal systems.

Kennings

Metaphorical expressions in Germanic poetry, such as 'whale road' for the sea.

Christianization Effects

Weakened tribal structures and introduced a hierarchy through the church.

Germanic Law vs. Roman Law

Germanic law was oral and customary, while Roman law was written and codified.

Importance of Monasteries

They preserved Germanic texts and aided in the conversion of Germanic tribes to Christianity.

Viking Invasions Impact

Viking raids destroyed texts and led to cultural blending in Germanic regions.

Feudalism

A hierarchical system wherein land is exchanged for loyalty and service.

Courtly Love

A romantic ideal that influenced medieval relationships, emphasizing respect and devotion but often critiqued for exclusivity.

Books of Hours

Lavish prayer books revealing daily life and religious devotion in feudal Europe.

Trial by Ordeal

A method where accused individuals underwent dangerous tests to prove innocence.

Canon Law

Laws established by the Church guiding religious practices and moral conduct.

Natural Law

Moral principles considered universal and inherent to all humans.

Difference between Serf and Noble Women

Serf women focused on household labor, while noble women managed estates and had potential political influence.