Middle Ages Flashcards
Middle Ages
- Time period from 5th to 15th Century
- Began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire
- Ended due to the Bubonic Plague (fewer people so better conditions for peasants), 100 Years war (weakening of feudalism), and Crusades (weakening of Church)
Secular
Concerning worldly affairs rather then spritual matters
Charles Martel (Charles the Hammer)
- Domo (mayor of the palace) of the Franks who extended the empire throughout Europe
- Defeated Muslim army from Spain at the Battle of Tours, preventing Western Europe from being part of the Islamic Empire
- held more power than the King
Charlemagne
-Grandson of Charles Martel
-Reunited western Europe for the first time since the Romans
-Crowned Roman Emperor b/c he aided the Pope
-signified the union of Germanic, Roman, and
Church
Feudalism
- Political and economic system based on land ownership and personal loyalty
- Lords give vassals land, vassals promise services like protection
- King > Vassals > Knights > serfs
What were the effects of the Germanic invasions on the Western Roman Empire
Germanic invasions lead to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Without a strong centralized government, the Middle Ages began
To what extent did Charlemagne and Charles Martel influence Europe
- They unified Europe under their rule and united Roman Heritage, Church, and Germanic power
- Prevented Muslim invasion by winning the Battle of Tours (Charles Martel)
How did feudalism become the predominant political system in Europe
Muslims, Vikings, Magyars invaded -> disorder
- A weak central government meant that Kings couldn’t defend their lands from invasion.
- People no longer could depend on the King
- Turned to a local ruler for protection instead, who then gained followers and political strength. (Feudalism)
How was society structured der feudalism
Society based on land
- King at the top
- Lords granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military protection
- Landless peasants toiled in the fields in return for protection
Battle of Tours
The battle in which Charles Martel defeated Muslim invaders from Spain (732). Prevented Western Europe from becoming part of the Muslim Empire (made Charles Martel a Christian hero)
Reform
Making changes for the better
Movement for religious reform, rejection of people’s authority
Gothic
A style of church architecture -developed during medieval Europe. Includes the pointed arches, ribbed vaults, stained glass windows, and flying buttresses.
Churches were built very tall to be closer to heaven
Inquisition
Court of justice for prosecuting charges of heresy (Roman Catholic)
Vernacular
Everyday/common language of homeland used by poets
Battle of Hastings
Battle between William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy) and Harold Godwinson (Anglo-Saxon) for the throne of England.
Harold was killed so the Normans won (William crowned)
Parliament
Group of oboes (legislative group) who met to check on royal power; weakened power of lords
Hindered Years’ War
War between England and France on French soil
Brought changes to style of warfare, marked end of medieval society, surge of nationalism,
Power and prestige of French monarchy increased
Internal conflict for the English (2 nobles fought for the throne), and end of Middle Ages
Secular
Concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters
Charlemagne
King of Franks
Extended Frankish rule,
Spread Christianity to conquered lands,
Crowned “Roman Empire” by the Pope, signified joining of Germanic Power, Church, and heritage of the Roman Empire
Strengthened central authority of the king