Vocabulary of the Middle Ages

Middle Ages

• The period in European history lasting from 500 AD to 1500 AD.
• Also referred to as the medieval time.

Feudalism

• A political system in which nobles are granted the use of land.
• The land belongs to the king.
• This grant is in exchange for loyalty and military service from the nobles.

Lord

• A person who controlled land.
• Granted estates to vassals.

Vassal

• Landowners who were granted land by lords.
• This grant was for loyalty and services.

Knights

• Armed warriors on horseback during the feudal period.

Holy Roman Empire

• An empire established in the 10th century AD.
• It consisted of territories known today as Italy and Germany.

Code of Chivalry

• The code of behavior for medieval knights.
• Stressed virtues such as courage, loyalty, and devotion.

Black Death

• Also known as the Bubonic Plague.
• A deadly disease that spread across Asia and Europe in the mid-14th century.
• Resulted in millions of deaths.

Crusades

• Expeditions in which medieval Christian warriors sought to regain control of the Holy Land.
• The Holy Land was under Muslim control during that time.