Historical Context: From Myths to History and the Czech Lands

Flashcards covering key concepts and events in the historical context of the Czech lands, particularly from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Middle Ages

Historical period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the modern era, roughly from the 4th to the 15th century.

Feudalism

A social system in medieval Europe where the nobility held lands from the Crown in exchange for military service, while peasants were bound to the land.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, centered around the belief in one God.

Migration of Nations

A period of mass movements of peoples from the 4th to the 7th century that included the migration of Germanic tribes and Slavs.

Great Moravia

A significant Slavic state established in the 9th century, which played a crucial role in the early history of the Czech lands.

Samo's Empire

The first known Slavic political entity in the territory of the modern Czech Republic, founded by a Frankish merchant named Samo in the 7th century.

Charlemagne

King of the Franks who united most of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages and was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800.

Lennic System

A hierarchical system of land distribution and ownership prevalent in medieval Europe, where land was granted in exchange for loyalty and military service.

Byzantium

The eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, known for its rich culture and the influence of Orthodox Christianity.

Avars

A nomadic group from Central Asia that ruled over parts of Eastern Europe, influencing the early history of the Slavs.

Duchy of Bohemia

The earliest form of Czech statehood established around the 9th century, later evolving into the Kingdom of Bohemia.

The Great Schism

The division between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Roman Catholic churches in 1054.

Holy Roman Empire

A multi-ethnic complex of territories in central Europe that developed during the early Middle Ages.

Papal Authority

The spiritual and administrative authority of the Pope over the Catholic Church, which played a crucial role in medieval politics.

Trojan War

An ancient Greek conflict that served as a foundational myth in European literature, but not relevant to the Czech historical context.

Humanism

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings, the study of classical literature, and a focus on secular subjects.

Serfdom

A condition of debt bondage in the feudal system through which peasants were tied to their lord's land.

Prague Spring

A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia during 1968, ending with a Soviet-led invasion.

The Velvet Revolution

A non-violent transition of power in Czechoslovakia in 1989 that resulted in the overthrow of the communist government.

Czech National Revival

A cultural movement in the 19th century aimed at promoting Czech language and national identity.

Marxism

A socio-political and economic theory derived from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels which argues for class struggle leading to a classless society.

Socialism with a Human Face

A phrase referring to the reformist approach in Czechoslovakia during the Prague Spring, advocating for democratic socialism.

Totalitarianism

A political system in which the state holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.