Ch 17 Feudel Europe Flashcards
Why are Germanic kingdoms successful at this time in Western Europe?
Because they were fierce barbarians with a shit ton of tribes that invaded the Roman empire on multiple fronts. The Germanic tribes overwhelmed the Western Roman Empire. In the process of doing so they widely adopted the Romans Christian religion and abandoned paganism.
Who were the Franks? Where were they located?
The Franks were the most bad-ass of all the Germanic-speaking tribes who invaded the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century. They dominated present-day northern France, Belgium, and western Germany, and established the most powerful Christian kingdom.
The Franks lived on the east bank of the lower Rhine River.
Who was Clovis?
Clovis was a military badass and was king of the Franks and ruler of much of Gaul from 481 to 511. His dynasty, the Merovingians, survived for more than 200 years. Though he was not the first Frankish king, he was the kingdom’s political and religious founder.
How did Clovis’ conversion to Christianity bring about political and social change?
By converting to Roman Catholicism, Clovis made this faith the favored religion of his kingdom. This was HUGE because it gained him the support of the Catholic Gallo Roman aristocracy and the Eastern Roman Empire.
Who were the Carolingians?
The Carolingian Dynasty (751-887) was a family of Frankish nobles who ruled Francia and its successor kingdoms in Western and Central Europe during the Early Middle Ages.
Who was Charlemagne?
Charlemagne succeeded in uniting the majority of western and central Europe and was the first recognized emperor to rule from western Europe after the fall of the Western Roman Empire around three centuries earlier. The expanded Frankish state that Charlemagne founded was the Carolingian Empire.
How did Charlemagne structure his government?
Charlemagne exercised the bannum, the right to rule and command, over all of his territories. Also, he had supreme jurisdiction in judicial matters, made legislation, led the army, and protected both the church and the poor.
Who were the “missi dominici”?
Charlemagne instituted a group of imperial officials called the “missi dominici” (envoys of the lord ruler), who traveled annually to all jurisdictions and reviewed the accounts of local authorities. Basically put the locals in check and collected taxes.
How did Charlemagne reflect a church/state attitude in ruling?
He basically combined them. His desire was to strengthen the church with his rule, both by inner reform and by expansion.
What was the result of Charlemagne’s death?
The Carolingian Empire weakened after the death of Charlemagne.
Why will Charlemagne’s death cause a weakness in the Carolingian Empire?
The empire was divided into three parts, ruled by Charlemagne’s grandsons. The middle of the three kingdoms was weak and was absorbed by the eastern and western kingdoms. These two kingdoms would emerge as the modern countries of France and Germany.
Where did the Muslims invade? What did they conquer and seize?
Over a period of about 30 years, Arab warriors, riding fast horses and camels, conquered the entire Persian empire and much of the Byzantine. The conquered lands included Egypt, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and much of Afghanistan and Baluchistan.
No question
Where did the Vikings invade? What was the outcome?
For several decades, the Vikings confined themselves to hit-and-run raids against coastal targets in the British Isles (particularly Ireland) and Europe (the trading center of Dorestad, 80 kilometers from the North Sea, became a frequent target after 830).
What areas did the Vikings/Norse expand to?
The Vikings originated from the area that became modern-day Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. They settled in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, Greenland, North America, and parts of the European mainland, among other places.
Who were the serfs? What were their obligations?
Serfs who occupied a plot of land were required to work for the lord of the manor who owned that land. In return, they were entitled to protection, justice, and the right to cultivate certain fields within the manor to maintain their own subsistence.
What was the importance of the heavy plow?
The invention of the heavy plough made it possible to harness areas with clay soil, and clay soil was more fertile than the lighter soil types. This led to prosperity and literally created a breeding ground for economic growth and cities – especially in Northern Europe.
Who was St. Scholastica?
Scholastica (480-543) was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia, and is revered as the patron saint of Benedictine nuns. She founded a religious community for women in Plombariola.
