History test

Why do we know so little about the Germanic people?

Because there are no written accounts of them; Roman poems praised them mainly to highlight other Romans.

What were the gender roles in German society?

Women took care of the farmland and household, while men hunted.

In what ways did women experience freedom in German society?

Women could own property and received a share of their husband's wealth before marriage.

What limited freedoms did Germanic women face?

While women had independence, they could be polygynous wives, and though adultery was a crime, it occurred.

How did Germanic tribes dress and what did they eat?

They wore trousers, long-sleeved jackets, and flowing wool fur coats; their diet lacked sufficient wheat due to farming constraints.

How did the Germanic people demonstrate praise for heroic values?

They expressed it through wealth and fame, with poets praising heroic deeds.

What important relationship did Clovis establish?

Clovis established a treaty with the Roman Catholic Church and the French.

What was Radegund known for?

She was known for creating a convent for women.

How did oral tradition shape our understanding of Germanic culture?

It preserved heroic tales and cultural values through storytelling.

What role did the word 'hoard' play in Germanic storytelling?

It referred to a poet or warrior's vocabulary, symbolizing wisdom and skill.

How did the heroic culture of Germanic people influence medieval traditions?

It shaped ideals of bravery, loyalty, and storytelling, influencing chivalry and knightly virtue.

What are kennings in Germanic poetry?

Kennings are metaphoric expressions like 'whale road' for the sea.

How did Germanic tribes interact with and influence the Roman Empire?

Germans influenced Romans through trade, clothing styles, and cultural values.

What factors led to the decline of Germanic tribal dominance in Europe?

Christianization, the rise of feudalism, cultural integration, and Viking invasions contributed to their decline.

How did conversion to Christianity impact Germanic social structures?

It led to more churches gaining power and a shift toward broader social hierarchies.

What are key differences between Germanic law and Roman law?

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

How did warfare shape the expansion of Germanic kingdoms?

Tribes expanded by conquering former Roman territories, often using Christianity to legitimize their conquests.

What was the significance of wergild in Germanic legal systems?

Wergild was a fine paid to compensate a victim’s family to prevent blood feuds.

How did Germanic burial practices reflect their beliefs about the afterlife?

Burial with weapons indicated a belief in an active afterlife where warriors needed their possessions.

In what ways did Germanic governance differ from medieval feudalism?

Germanic governance was tribal and kinship-based, while feudalism was hierarchical and inherited.

How did Clovis use religion to strengthen his rule over the Franks?

He converted to Christianity, unifying his subjects and enhancing legitimacy.

Why was the Battle of Tours significant?

It halted Islamic expansion into Western Europe, ensuring the dominance of Christianity.

What role did monasteries play in preserving Germanic history?

They copied manuscripts, preserving legends and texts like Beowulf.

How did Germanic art reflect cultural values?

It emphasized intricate metalwork and animal motifs, symbolizing strength.

What impact did Viking invasions have on Germanic kingdoms?

Vikings raided monasteries and established rule over some kingdoms, leading to cultural blending.

What is feudalism?

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

What were the responsibilities of male nobles in medieval society?

They managed land, oversaw vassals, acted as military leaders, and resolved disputes.

What mutual benefits did lords and vassals provide each other?

Lords provided land and protection; vassals provided military service and loyalty.

What were the elements of a medieval manor?

A manor included the lord's residence, church, villages, farmland, and essential facilities.

Why did chivalry arise in medieval society?

To control knightly violence and instill ideals of loyalty, bravery, and respect.

What types of disagreements exist regarding courtly love?

Concerns ranged from moral implications to exclusion of lower classes, and its idealization of women.

How do Books of Hours contribute to understanding feudal Europe?

They depict daily life, religious devotion, social hierarchy, and medieval art styles.

What were the primary roles of serf and peasant women?

Their roles involved household management, child-rearing, and agricultural labor.

What is Canon Law?

A body of laws established by the Church governing religious practices and moral issues.

How did the Norman Invasion change England?

It ended Anglo-Saxon rule and introduced centralized governance and feudalism.

What are the pros and cons of different trial styles in medieval courts?

Trial types varied in terms of fairness, bias, and reliance on community reputation or combat.