World History Chapter 10 Vocab

Procurator – A government official, especially in ancient Rome, responsible for managing financial affairs, taxes, or property for the emperor or state.

Plague – A fast-spreading, deadly disease, with the most famous being the Black Death in the 14th century, which killed millions across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Inflation – A general rise in prices that reduces the purchasing power of money; in history, it often happened when too much currency was produced or due to shortages.

Bishopric – Also known as a diocese, this refers to the area of responsibility and authority of a bishop within the Christian Church.

Monasticism – A religious lifestyle where individuals, often monks or nuns, separate themselves from society to focus on spiritual goals through prayer, work, and discipline.

Missionary – A person sent by a religious organization to spread faith and provide services like education and healthcare, often in foreign countries.

Wergild – A compensation system in early Germanic law where the value of a person’s life was set by social status; paying this fine prevented blood feuds.

Feudalism – A hierarchical system where kings granted land to nobles, who then offered portions of it to vassals in exchange for loyalty, military service, and protection.

Vassal – A noble who pledged loyalty and military support to a lord in return for land (called a fief); they could also have their own vassals.

Knight – A mounted warrior from the noble class who followed a code of chivalry and often served lords in battle or governance.

Chivalry – A medieval code of conduct for knights that emphasized qualities like bravery, honor, courtesy, and protection of the weak and the church.

Carruca – A heavy iron plow with wheels, introduced in medieval Europe, that allowed deeper turning of soil, which improved farming on tough northern European terrain.

Serf – A peasant legally bound to a lord’s land, required to work in exchange for shelter and protection but unable to leave without permission.

Patrician – Originally a member of Rome’s elite ruling class; in medieval cities, it referred to wealthy, influential families who held political power.

Bourgeoisie – The growing middle class during the Middle Ages, primarily consisting of merchants, artisans, and professionals who lived in towns and gained wealth through trade.

Common Law – A legal system developed in England where laws were based on court decisions and customs rather than written statutes, influencing modern legal systems.

Magna Carta – A foundational English document signed in 1215 that limited royal power, established that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law, and protected certain legal rights. Signed by King Jon.