Western Europe

Middle Ages - (500 - 1500) Nothing was being invented and humans of different groups weren’t interacting; bartering becomes trade system

St. Benedict - A Christian monk who founded the Benedictine order in the 6th century. His rule emphasized prayer, work, and community living

Manorialism - Land was divided into large estates (manors). Lord owned the land and peasants worked on it in exchange for protection and a place to live

Feudalism - A person was politically and socially bound to a Lord by oath or contract. Vassals protected the lord’s land and serfs did the manual labor

Serfs - A person who was tied to the manor they worked on and had to work for the Lord in exhcange for protection and a place to live. They had to pay all the taxes by themselves in the region the nobes were exempt.

Holy Roman Empire - Was in Central Europe from 962 to 1806. It was a loose confederation of territories under the leadership of an emperor, often clashing with the papacy for power

Vikings - Seafarers from Scandinavia who were known for their explorations, raids, and trade across Europe and beyond

Papacy - Office of the Pope, head of Roman Catholic Church, based in Vatican City, holds religious authority

Charlemagne - First the Frankish in from 768CE to 800CE. He was crowned the first Holy Roman emperor in 800 CE by the Pope and promoted Christianity, education, and cultural revival. First emperor of the Carolingian Empire in 800 CE. He united Western Europe politically, promoted learning and culture, spread Christianity, implemented legal reforms, and influenced modern Europe's development. His reign was crucial in shaping medieval Europe in AP World History.

Lords - Wealthy land owners who owned manors, held political power and often had hereditary positions. Serfs worked their land

What led to the split between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches? How do they differ?

The split between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches in 1054 is known as the Great Schism. It was primarily caused by disagreements on the authority of the Pope, use of icons, language of worship, and understanding of the Holy Spirit.

What were the role of Monks in the Western church?

Monks played a crucial role in the Western Church by preserving knowledge through manuscript copying, providing education, running schools, and serving as centers of learning and culture during the Middle Ages.

How did the Carolingian family rise to power?

The Carolingian family rose to power in the 8th century through conquests and alliances led by figures like Charles Martel and Charlemagne. Their expansion, strong governance, and promotion of Christianity led to the Carolingian Renaissance, which advanced art, education, and culture, bolstering their influence in Europe. They beat the Iberians in the Battle of Tours in 732CE and if they had lost Europe would be completely different.

How did Charlemagne admister his territory?

Charlemagne governed his empire using counts and missi dominici. Counts managed regions, while missi dominici were royal envoys for loyalty and justice. He also used Carolingian minuscule script for communication.

What was feudalism like in Europe?

King granted land to the lords in exchange for loyalty and military support. Lords then granted land to vassals in return of protection. Serfs at the bottom, worked the land and were tied to it

What was the route of the Vikings?

From Scandinavia to northern Europe; western Europe, Southern Europe, and the North Atlantic

Trial by ordeal - Do something to prove your innocent. You receive a task that’s practically impossible.

Why did the Vikings first decide to raid monasteries?

They knew the Monks wouldn’t attack them and they had lots of wealth

Longships - Were shallow and maneubrable they could carry 40-60 men in the beginning

Traded - Silver and gold, swords, salt, slaves (if master died they would die with them)

Politically - Middle Ages were Decentralized, had feudalism, no written law code (illiterate)

Economy - Small amount of long distance trade

Socially - Weren’t able to change classes

Nobles - Through lavish parties all the time

Vassals were brave and loyal on the battlefield and they follow chivalary

Serfs - Can sell daughters into slvery