Download Medieval Europe Part 1 Review Answers

Medieval Europe Part 1 Review
1. Middle Ages- The period of history between the end of the Roman Empire & the
beginning of the Modern Age.
2. St. Patrick- A British-born Christian missionary who is credited for bringing
Christianity to Ireland, and establishing many monasteries.
3. St. Boniface- He spread Christianity into Germany by demonstrating God’s power over
the German Gods by chopping down a sacred Oak Tree without repercussions to prove
the pagan gods did not exist. St. Boniface is also credited as the originator of the idea of
the Christmas tree which grew out of the roots of the Oak Tree that was cut down.
4. St. Benedict- Gave up a life of wealth to devote himself to the teachings of
Christianity. St. Benedict is credited with creating the first monastic order called the
Benedictines. Benedictine monks had to live in accordance with the strict laws for
conducting oneself.
5. Chivalry- A Christian warrior’s rules or code of behavior.
6. Nunnery- Nunneries were set up very similar to monasteries with the exception that
they were composed of all women called nuns. Nuns could only administer certain
religious services, but provided many important acts of service, and charity for the
surrounding community.
7. Monastery- A cloistered community of men devoted to God. The establishment of
monasteries helped spread the ideas and teachings of Christianity. A monk’s life was
spent in prayer, as well as copying down by hand ancient manuscripts usually religious in
nature. Monasteries also served as places to heal the sick, and provide assistance for the
needy, and provided Europe with the first Universities.
8. Salvation- The belief that following the sacraments of the church would lead to
heaven.
9. Damnation- The belief that not following the sacraments of the church would lead to
eternal suffering.
10. Clergy- The group of people who serve as church officials.
11. Feudalism- Arose after the death of Charlemagne in an effort to establish political and
social order in response to Viking invasions, and internal struggles for power. Feudalism
provided a system for providing food, collecting taxes, and providing protection for the
people. The highest ranking member of society during feudal times was the monarch or
King, followed by the nobles & church leaders, followed by knights, squires and
peasants.
12. Monarch- The monarch or king was the highest ranking member in society during
feudal times. The monarch granted land to nobles in exchange for loyalty in times of need
or war.
13. Lords- The lords were granted land called manors by the monarch in exchange for
loyalty to the king. The lord of the manor controlled the land that was tended to by serfs.
The lords offered food and shelter to knights in exchange for protection during times of
invasion or war.
14. Knights- Trained warriors from the noble class in society that were usually the first
born males of wealthy feudal families. Knights first began as squires while undergoing
rigorous military and code of conduct training. Once a squire became a knight they
pledged their loyalty to the king, and local lord of the manor who provided food and
shelter.
15. Squire- Usually the first born male of a wealthy family was able to train as a squire in
an effort to learn the necessary skills and code of Chivalry to become a knight.
16. Vassal- A vassal took an oath of loyalty to the monarch in exchange for land similar
to that of a lord.
17. Serf- The lowest ranking member in feudal society. The serfs were considered
property of the land, and were often mistreated. Their life was composed of long days
laboring in the fields as farmers, and they lived in very basic accommodations. A serf did
have the protection of the lord of the manor and were not required to go into battle during
times of war.
18. Charlemagne- Credited for trying to re-start the Roman Empire under Christianity.
Charlemagne otherwise known as Charles the Great established some as semblance of
law and order under his rule. He was controversially crowned emperor by the Pope of the
Catholic Church which symbolized the church to have the political power to decide who
would rule the Kingdom. After the death of Charlemagne, much of the surrounding
region under his control fell into chaos, and left people vulnerable to Viking invasions
from the north. Feudalism was established to help provide social order and protection
during the time of chaos.
19. Roman Catholic Church- The Christian church was established during Roman times,
and grew in power and prominence after the fall of the Roman Empire during the Middle
Ages. The church served as spiritual guide for people, and provide a social & political
structure in times of chaos. The church also preserved Ancient manuscripts from Greece
and Rome, as well as early Christian doctrines. Through the church, monasteries served
as early hospitals for the sick, provided alms for the poor, and established the first
Universities in Europe.
20. Christianity- The religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The
foundation of Christianity originates in Judaism. Christianities teachings are from the
Bible which are made up of the both the Old and New Testament. The Old Testament is
made up of the same scriptures as the Torah.
21. Heresy- A belief that is rejected by official church policy.
22. Pope- The leader of the Roman Catholic Church who resides at St. Peter’s Basilica in
Rome. He is the spiritual leader of the church, and had very strong political power during
the Middle Ages.
23. Barbarians- The slang term referring to the Pagan tribes in Germany. Barbarians were
responsible for weakening the Roman Empire through constant attacks on Rome, which
eventually succeeded. These invasions were one of the factors the lead to the fall of the
Roman Empire.
24. Vikings- The Vikings originated in Norway & Denmark. The term to go-a-Viking
meant to go on an oversea expedition. The native lands of the Vikings had very little
suitable farmland, which lead to the invasion of central Europe to the south in an effort to
seek food and resources. The French granted the Vikings a section of land called
Normandy, (which translates to people from the North) in an effort to minimize invasion.
The Vikings used this land as a launching point to invade England. Viking invasions lead
to the establishment of Feudalism, as a way to protect manors from marauding invaders.
25. William the Conqueror- Expanded the Norman Empire across the English Channel in
order to claim the English throne. After several epic battles, which included the battle of
Hastings, William’s forces took control of the region, and established the Motte and
Bailey castles to protect his newly acquired land.
26. Battle of Hastings-The famous battle in which William the Conqueror defeated
Harold’s army by faking retreat and then turning and attacking the Saxons. As a result of
the battle, Norman culture dramatically changes Saxon traditions, French words blended
with Anglo-Saxon language, and the feudal system was established in England which
increased the power of the English monarch.
27. Motte & Bailey castles- A system of Motte and Bailey castes were built under the
orders of William the Conqueror as a way of taking control, and protecting the land
throughout England. The castles and surrounding fortification was originally constructed
of wood, which were often burned to the ground during invasion. This lead to the
construction of castles being made of blocks of stone. The castle was usually constructed
at the highest part of the village, which helped protect against invasion.
*Geography of Europe. Please refer to the map of Europe we covered in class as well as
textbook page A5.