Chapter 8 cont

Al-Andalus

The part of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim control (modern day Spain).

Anointment

An alliance between the papacy and the Frankish monarch starting with the Pippins' gift to the papacy, bringing a special spiritual and moral character to kingship.

Boyars

High ranking nobles in Russia descended from Viking warriors, holding their lands as private property.

Capitularies

Administrative and legislative orders divided into chapters or articles.

Caliph

A successor chosen by a group of Muhammed's closest followers.

Civitas

The city and surrounding territory that served as the basis of the administrative system in the Frankish Kingdoms.

Comites

Senior official or royal companion, later called a count, who presided over the civitas.

Double Monastery

A monastery housing both men and women in two adjoining establishments, governed by one superior.

Feudalism

A political system in which a vassal was given land in return for loyalty, aid, and military service.

Five Pillars of Islam

The five practices Muslims must fulfill according to the Shari'a: profession of faith, prayer, fasting, giving alms to the poor, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Infidel

A disparaging term for a person who does not believe in a particular religion (non-believer).

Kievan Rus

A confederation of Slavic territories ruled by descendants of Vikings, practicing Orthodox Christianity.

Manorialism

A system where peasant residents of manors provided work and goods to their lord in exchange for protection.

Miniscule

A handwriting/script that featured both upper and lowercase letters, enhancing text legibility.

Missi Dominici

Agents of the lord king who served as a link between local authorities and the central government.

Qur'an

Islam's sacred text.

Serfs

Peasants bound to the land by a relationship with a manorial lord.

Treaty of Verdun

Treaty signed in 843 by Louis' three sons dividing the empire into three parts.

Vassals

Warriors who swore loyalty and service to a noble in exchange for land and protection.

Muhammed

Began life as a merchant; had visions from the angel Gabriel instructing him to preach, recorded in the Qur'an.

The Hegira

Muhammed and his followers leaving Mecca to go to Medina.

Allah

The Muslim god.

Expansion of Islam

The period when Syria, Egypt, and North Africa came under Muslim control.

Sunnis

A sect of Islam identifying as traditionalists.

Shiites

The Islamic minority that arose in choosing successors to Muhammed.

Clovis

Merovingian king who divided the kingdom into four parts but faced wars due to unclear succession rules.

Merovingian Dukes

Officials who controlled military forces in specific regions during the Merovingian period.

Mayor

The most important secular official in the Merovingian dynasty.

Charlemagne

A Carolingian leader who significantly expanded territory; described as crude, brutal, but extremely intelligent.

Louis the Pious

Charlemagne's son who ruled the empire; his sons divided the empire after his death.

Carolingian Intellectual Revival

A focus on scholarship and religion during the Carolingian period, leading to the creation of double monasteries.

Beowulf

An epic poem written by a monk.

Venerable Bede

Produced the earliest history of the English people.

Medical Care

Included prescription of drugs, faced challenges like poor diet and common eye infections, with folk medicine available.

The Vikings

Also known as Normans; raided Europe, assimilated Slavic culture, adopted Orthodox Christianity.