World History Ch. 13 European Middle Ages Vocabulary
Middle Ages
The era in European History that followed the fall of the Roman Empire, lasting from about 500-1500; also called the medieval period
Franks
A Germanic people who settled in the Roman province of Gaul (roughly the area now occupied by France) and established a great empire during the Middle Ages
Monastary
A religious community of men (called monks) who have given up their possessions to devote themselves to a life of prayer and worship
Secular
Concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters
Carolingian Dynasty
A dynasty of Frankish rulers, lasting A.D. 751-987
Charlemagne
Ruler of the Franks after Pepin the Short
Lord
In feudal Europe, a person who controlled land and therefore could grant estates to vassals
Fief
An estate granted to a vassal by a lord under the feudal system in medieval Europe
Knight
In medieval Europe, an armored warrior who fought on horseback
Serf
A medieval peasant legally bound to live on a lord’s estate
Manor
A lord’s estate in feudal Europe
Chivalry
A code of behavior for knights in medieval Europe, stressing ideals such as courage, loyalty, and devotion
Tournament
A mock battle between a group of knights
Troubadour
A medieval poet and musician who traveled from place to place, entertaining people with songs of courtly love
Clergy
A body of officials who perform religious services- such as priest, ministers, or rabbis
Sacrament
One of the Christian ceremonies in which God’s grace is transmitted to people
Canon Laws
The body of laws governing the religious practices of a Christian church
Holy Roman Empire
An empire established in Europe in the 10th century A.D., originally consisting mainly of lands in what is now Germany and Italy
Lay Investiture
The appointment of religious officals by kings or nobles