Western Civilization Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers major events, concepts, and figures in Western civilization as detailed in the lecture notes.

Migration of Goths

The movement of the Visigoths across the Rhine due to trade barriers, civilization interests, and natural disasters in 376 AD.

Battle of Adrianople

A significant battle in which the Visigoths defeated the Roman army, leading to the death of Emperor Valens.

Conversion of Clovis

Clovis converted to Christianity for his wife and was baptized on Christmas, solidifying his power.

Charlemagne

King who initiated the Carolingian Renaissance, focusing on education and literacy.

Treaty of Verdun

The agreement that divided Charlemagne's empire among his grandsons.

Battle of Hastings

The 1066 battle where William the Conqueror defeated Harold Godwinson, marked by Harold's death from an arrow.

Danelaw

The treaty outline between the Anglo-Saxons and Danish Vikings, defining their respective territories.

Crusades

Military campaigns initiated by Pope Urban II to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Reconquista

The centuries-long effort by Christian kingdoms to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.

Black Death

A devastating plague that swept through Europe, causing the deaths of 23-30% of the population.

Magna Carta

A 1215 document that established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.

Arianism

A heresy that denied the doctrine of the Trinity in Christianity.

Feudalism

A decentralized system where local lords held power in exchange for service from vassals.

Manorialism

The economic system of the Middle Ages, based on the manor as the basic unit of production.

Vassalage

The relationship between lords and vassals where military service is exchanged for land.

Gothic Architecture

A style of architecture characterized by features such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

Accolade

The ceremony of knighting a new knight.

Justinian I

Eastern Roman Emperor known for his efforts to revive the glory of Rome and for Justinians Code.

Alfred the Great

King of Wessex who defended England against Viking invasions and promoted education.

Eleanor of Aquitaine

Powerful queen who helped expand the monarchy through her marriage to Henry II.

Hagia Sophia

A cathedral in Constantinople that was one of the greatest achievements of Byzantine architecture.

germany migration