ThE MiDdLe AgEs

Question 2

Question/Term

Answer 2

Answer/Definition

Question 3

Trial by Ordeal

Answer 3

A medieval practice of determining guilt by subjecting the accused to dangerous or painful tests.

Question 4

Charlemagne

Answer 4

King of the Franks; crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800 CE; expanded and strengthened Christianity in Europe.

Question 5

Vikings

Answer 5

Seafaring warriors from Scandinavia who raided and settled parts of Europe from the 8th to 11th centuries.

Question 6

Feudalism

Answer 6

A political and economic system where land was exchanged for loyalty and service in medieval Europe.

Question 7

Lord, Vassal, Knight

Answer 7

Key roles in the feudal system: Lords granted land, vassals pledged loyalty, and knights provided military service.

Question 8

Serf

Answer 8

A peasant bound to a lord’s land, providing labor in exchange for protection and a place to live.

Question 9

Manor, Fief

Answer 9

A manor was a self-sufficient estate; a fief was land granted by a lord to a vassal.

Question 10

Chivalry

Answer 10

A code of conduct for knights emphasizing bravery, honor, and respect for women and the weak.

Question 11

Gothic Architecture

Answer 11

A style of medieval architecture characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

Question 12

Excommunication, Interdict

Answer 12

Excommunication banned individuals from the Church; interdict banned entire regions from sacraments.

Question 13

Lay Investiture

Answer 13

The appointment of church officials by secular rulers, leading to conflicts between kings and popes.

Question 14

Wycliffe and Hus

Answer 14

Early critics of the Catholic Church; Wycliffe translated the Bible, Hus was burned at the stake.

Question 15

Monasteries

Answer 15

Religious communities where monks lived, preserved knowledge, and provided education and charity.

Question 16

Crusades

Answer 16

A series of religious wars (12th century) where Christians attempted to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslims.

Question 17

Holy Land

Answer 17

Jerusalem and surrounding regions, considered sacred by Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

Question 18

Reconquista, Inquisition

Answer 18

Reconquista: Christian efforts to retake Spain from Muslims; Inquisition: church court to enforce Catholic doctrine.

Question 19

Why did the feudal system develop?

Answer 19

It provided structure and protection after the fall of Rome, ensuring land control and security.

Question 20

Why did feudalism decline by the 1400s?

Answer 20

1. Rise of centralized monarchies, 2. Growth of trade and towns, 3. Impact of the Black Death.

Question 21

How did the Catholic Church affect medieval life?

Answer 21

It controlled education, influenced politics, and provided spiritual guidance.

Question 22

Why was the Church’s authority weakened by the 1500s?

Answer 22

1. Corruption and indulgences, 2. Political conflicts, 3. Protestant Reformation.

Question 23

Life after the Fall of Rome

Answer 23

Decentralization, decline of trade, loss of literacy, and rise of feudalism.

Question 24

Women in medieval society

Answer 24

Limited rights; noblewomen managed estates, peasant women worked the land, some joined convents.

Question 25

Crusades: Causes and Effects

Answer 25

Fought for religious reasons and power; led to increased trade and cultural exchanges.

Question 26

Why did towns grow around 1000?

Answer 26

Improved agriculture, safer conditions, and trade growth led to urban expansion.

Question 27

Guilds

Answer 27

Organizations of artisans and merchants that regulated trade and protected members.

Question 28

Political vs. Religious Power

Answer 28

Kings and popes clashed over authority, e.g., lay investiture conflict.

Question 29

Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?

Answer 29

Wealth from trade, classical heritage, and patronage of the arts spurred the movement.

Question 30

Printing Press

Answer 30

Invented by Gutenberg (1450), it spread knowledge and fueled the Reformation.

Question 31

Martin Luther and the 95 Theses

Answer 31

Criticized Church corruption and indulgences; sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Question 32

John Calvin and Predestination

Answer 32

Calvin taught that God had already chosen who would be saved (predestination).

Question 33

Counter-Reformation

Answer 33

Catholic Church’s response to Protestantism; included the Jesuits and Council of Trent.

Question 34

Jesuits

Answer 34

A Catholic order founded to promote education, missionary work, and combat Protestantism.

Question 35

Burgers

Answer 35

Medieval town dwellers, often merchants and artisans.

Question 36

Charter

Answer 36

A legal document granting rights to a town or organization.

Question 37

Plague – Black Death

Answer 37

A deadly pandemic (1347-1351) that killed millions and weakened feudalism.

Question 38

William the Conqueror

Answer 38

Duke of Normandy who won the Battle of Hastings (1066) and became King of England.

Question 39

Magna Carta

Answer 39

A 1215 document limiting the power of the English king and establishing legal rights.

Question 40

Parliament

Answer 40

England’s legislative body, originating from medieval advisory councils.

Question 41

Estates General

Answer 41

A French assembly representing clergy, nobility, and commoners.

Question 42

100 Years’ War

Answer 42

A conflict (1337-1453) between England and France that shaped national identities.

Question 43

Joan of Arc

Answer 43

A French peasant girl who led France to victory in the 100 Years’ War; later executed.

Question 44

Longbow

Answer 44

A powerful weapon that helped England in the 100 Years’ War, making knights less effective.

Question 45

Humanism

Answer 45

Renaissance intellectual movement focusing on human potential and achievements.

Question 46

Perspective (art)

Answer 46

A Renaissance artistic technique that created depth and realism in paintings.