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Questions and Answers

Could vassals have vassals?

True

Could vassals have fiefs from more than one lord?

True

What would a vassal usually do if he pledged loyalty to several lords?

A vassal usually had a liege lord to whom he owed his first loyalty.

What was a tournament?

A contest of skill and courage between soldiers or knights in the Middle Ages. Signup and view all the answers

A contest of skill and courage between soldiers or knights in the Middle Ages is a _______.

tournament Signup and view all the answers

At the age of ___, a boy slated to become a _ was sent away to the castle of his father's lord.

seven, knight Signup and view all the answers

He learned to and . He also learned to keep his armor and weapons in good condition.

ride, fight Signup and view all the answers

Any laziness was punished with an _ or even a ___.

angry blow, severe beating Signup and view all the answers

With his training finished, the youth was named a ________, often in a public ceremony.

knight Signup and view all the answers

What is Constantinople (New Rome)?

The capital of the eastern Roman empire Signup and view all the answers

The capital of the eastern Roman empire; capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires that is now called Istanbul was ___________.

Constantinople Signup and view all the answers

What is now known as Istanbul was known as _____________.

Constantinople Signup and view all the answers

What happened when German invaders pounded the western Roman Empire?

The Roman emperor Constantine and his successors shifted their base to the eastern Mediterranean. Signup and view all the answers

What Greek city did Constantine rebuild and rename after himself?

Byzantium Signup and view all the answers

By what year was Constantinople the capital of 'New Rome'?

330 Signup and view all the answers

The roads of Constantinople fanned out to the ____, to the _, and to _____.

Balkans, Middle East, and North Africa Signup and view all the answers

What did the eastern Roman Empire become known as with time?

The Byzantine Empire Signup and view all the answers

Where was Constantinople located?

On the shores of the Bosporus, a strait that links the Mediterranean and Black seas. Signup and view all the answers

How did the emperors after Constantine bolster the defenses of Constantinople?

By building a series of land and sea walls. Signup and view all the answers

Equally important, Constantinople commanded key trade routes linking _ and . For centuries, the city's favorable location made it ____'s busiest marketplace.

Europe and Asia; Europe's Signup and view all the answers

What did merchants sell at Constantinople?

Silks from China, wheat from Egypt, gems from India, spices from Southeast Asia, and furs from Viking lands in the north. Signup and view all the answers

How did the emperors of Constantinople live?

In glittering splendor. Signup and view all the answers

How many years did the Byzantine Empire linger after the fall of the Roman Empire?

1,000 years. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Justinian?

Justinian was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 527 to 565 and is known for his legal reforms and building projects. Signup and view all the answers

_______ (483-565) was born of peasant stock and adopted by his uncle Justin (emperor from 518)...

Justinian Signup and view all the answers

When was Justinian emperor of the Byzantine Empire?

527-565. Signup and view all the answers

What did Justinian do as emperor?

He continued war with Persia, sought to win back former western Roman provinces from barbarian invaders, rebuilt much of Constantinople in glorious style, and instituted reforms to stop imperial corruption and promote justice for his subjects. Signup and view all the answers

What was Justinian's Code?

A collection of Roman laws organized by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and later serving as a model for the Catholic Church and medieval monarchs. Signup and view all the answers

The collection of Roman laws organized by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and later serving as a model for the Catholic Church and medieval monarchs was ___________.

Justinian's Code. Signup and view all the answers

Who did the Byzantine Empire reach its greatest size under?

Justinian. Signup and view all the answers

Led by the brilliant general Belisarius, Byzantine armies reconquered _, , and the ___________.

North Africa, Italy, and southern Iberian peninsula. Signup and view all the answers

The victories of the Byzantine Army under the general Belisarius were ____, as Justinian's successors would the contested lands.

Temporary and lose. Signup and view all the answers

To restore Roman glory, Justinian launched a program to make Constantinople grander than ever; his great triumph was rebuilding the church of _____________, which means 'Holy Wisdom.'

Hagia Sophia. Signup and view all the answers

_____________ (c. 497-548), as wife to Justinian I, was the Byzantine empress from 527 to her death in 548...

Theodora. Signup and view all the answers

Although he viewed the law as a means to unite the Byzantine Empire, Justinian was a ______.

Autocrat. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Theodora play?

A shrewd politician, she served as advisor and co-ruler to Justinian. At times, she even challenged the emperor's orders and pursued her own policies. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Justinian's Code have on the Byzantine Empire?

It simplified and organized laws that helped unify the vast territories of the Byzantine Empire. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Justinian's Code have on the Middle Ages?

European monarchs used the code's principles to strengthen and centralize their power. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does Justinian's Code have in the present day?

Through England's common law traditions, the code influences American laws. Signup and view all the answers

When were the Middle Ages?

500 till 1350. Signup and view all the answers

When were the early Middle Ages?

500 till 1050. Signup and view all the answers

When were the late Middle Ages?

1050 till 1350. Signup and view all the answers

At its height, the Roman Empire contained much of ___________.

Western Europe. Signup and view all the answers

How did Rome unify Western Europe?

Through the spread of classical ideas, the Latin language, and Christianity to the tribal peoples of Western Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Germanic peoples who ended Roman rule shift their focus to?

The North. Signup and view all the answers

Despite the disorder and decay that came with the fall of Rome, Western Europe was a place of great potential; it had _____ and other resources, such as _, , and _.

Fertile land, timber, furs, and tin. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Franks?

A member of a West Germanic tribal confederacy that entered the Roman provinces in A.D. 253, occupied the Netherlands and most of Gaul, and established themselves along the Rhine. Signup and view all the answers

The West Germanic tribal confederacy that entered the Roman provinces in A.D. 253, occupied the Netherlands and most of Gaul, and established themselves along the Rhine were the _________.

Franks. Signup and view all the answers

What four Germanic tribes conquered parts of the Roman Empire?

The Goths, Vandals, Saxons, and Franks. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Clovis?

Clovis (c. 466-511) ruled as king of the Franks over much of Gaul (what is now modern France and neighboring lands) from 481-511. He united the Frankish kingdoms under the Merovingian dynasty. Signup and view all the answers

________ (c. 466-511) ruled as king of the Franks over much of Gaul (what is now modern France and neighboring lands) from 481-511...

Clovis. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Gaul?

What is now modern France and its neighboring lands. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Goths, Vandals, Saxons, and Franks?

Farmers and herders who lived in small communities governed by unwritten customs; their kings were elected leaders, chosen by tribal councils. Signup and view all the answers

How did Clovis gain a powerful ally in the pope, leader of the Christian Church of Rome?

He converted to Christianity. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Charles Martel?

Charles Martel (c. 688-741) ruled the Frankish kingdoms as mayor from 719-741. He defeated several rebellions and blocked a Muslim invasion. Signup and view all the answers

___________ (c. 688-741) ruled the Frankish kingdoms as mayor from 719-741...

Charles Martel. Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles Martel accomplish?

He defeated several rebellions and blocked a Muslim invasion. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Battle of Tours?

A battle in October of 732 when Charles Martel led the Franks to victory against Muslim invaders; also known as the Battle of Poitiers. Signup and view all the answers

The Battle of Poitiers was the _________.

Battle of Tours. Signup and view all the answers

The battle in October of 732 when Charles Martel led the Franks to victory against Muslim invaders that is also known as the Battle of Poitiers was __________.

Battle of Tours. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Battle of Tours take place?

France. Signup and view all the answers

After their loss in the Battle of Tours, Muslims advanced no farther into ____, although they continued to rule most of what is now .

Western Europe and Spain. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Charlemagne?

Charlemagne (747-814) was king of the Franks, the Lombards, and emperor of the Romans. He is known for his military campaigns and efforts to unite diverse peoples. Signup and view all the answers

What did Charlemagne accomplish during his reign?

He conducted a long series of successful military campaigns, made efforts to spread Christianity and implement religious reform, sought to make more effective inherited political institutions and procedures, and supported cultural renewal through a revival of learning. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the empire of Charlemagne spread across?

France, Germany, and part of Italy. Signup and view all the answers

Where was much of Charlemagne's reign spent?

Fighting Muslims in Spain, Saxons in the north, Avars and Slavs in the east, and Lombards in Italy. Signup and view all the answers

What significance did the crowning of Charlemagne by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day in 800 hold?

It revived the ideal of a united Christian community - 'Christendom.' Signup and view all the answers

Why did the crowning of Charlemagne anger the Byzantine emperor?

The Byzantine emperor saw himself as the Roman ruler. Signup and view all the answers

In the long run, the crowning of ____ would deepen an already growing split between the and _ Christian worlds...

Charlemagne, eastern, western. Signup and view all the answers

What did Charlemagne exercise control over his lands to do?

To create a unified Christian Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Who were missi dominici?

Officials used by Charlemagne to keep control over provincial rulers. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose did missi dominici serve?

To check on roads, listen to grievances, and see that justice was done. Signup and view all the answers

To ensure a supply of educated officials, Charlemagne set up a palace school and brought scholars there from all over. He asked a famous scholar,_________, to run his palace school...

Alcuin of York. Signup and view all the answers

There, scholars were set to work copying ancient manuscripts including _ and of _ and _____.

the Bible, Latin works, history, and science. Signup and view all the answers

What legacy did Charlemagne leave behind once his empire crumbled?

He extended Christian civilization into northern Europe and furthered the blending of Germanic, Roman, and Christian traditions and set up a system for strong, efficient government. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Magyar?

A member of the dominant people of Hungary. Signup and view all the answers

A member of the dominant people of Hungary is a _______.

Magyar. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in Western Europe between about 700 to 1000?

Muslims, Magyars, and Vikings conquered lands across the region. Signup and view all the answers

What island was conquered by Muslim forces in the late 800s?

Sicily. Signup and view all the answers

What caused Muslim attacks on Western Europe to subside in the 900s?

Power struggles erupted in the Middle East. Signup and view all the answers

What nomadic people overran Eastern Europe, attacked the Byzantine Empire, and plundered Germany, parts of France, and Italy in 900?

The Magyars. Signup and view all the answers

After 50 years of conquest, the Magyars turned back and settled in what is known today as _______.

Hungary. Signup and view all the answers

The most destructive raiders, however, were the Vikings.

At home, they were independent farmers ruled by land-owning chieftains. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Vikings?

Independent farmers ruled by land-owning chieftains that were expert sailors and ferocious fighters. Signup and view all the answers

Where were the Vikings from?

Scandinavia, a northern region that now includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Signup and view all the answers

What communities did the Vikings loot and burn?

Communities along the coasts and rivers of Europe from Ireland to Russia. Signup and view all the answers

In their far-ranging voyages, the Vikings sailed around the _ and crossed the .

Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Signup and view all the answers

Who set up a short-lived Viking colony on the continent of North America in about the year 1000?

Leif Erikson. Signup and view all the answers

Vikings also settled in _____, _ (Normandy), _, and parts of __.

England, northern France, Ireland, and Russia. Signup and view all the answers

What is feudalism?

A loosely organized system of government in which local lords governed their own lands but owed military service and other support to a greater lord. Signup and view all the answers

A loosely organized system of government in which local lords governed their own lands but owed military service and other support to a greater lord is _________.

Feudalism. Signup and view all the answers

What is a feudal contract?

An exchange of pledges between lords and vassals. Signup and view all the answers

An exchange of pledges between lords and vassals is a _____________.

Feudal contract. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fief?

In medieval Europe, an estate granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for service and loyalty. Signup and view all the answers

An estate granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for service and loyalty in medieval Europe was a ________.

Fief. Signup and view all the answers

What did Medieval society involve?

A network of mutual obligations between the ruler and the ruled. Signup and view all the answers

What was the relationship between lords and vassals based upon?

The exchange of land for loyalty and military service. Signup and view all the answers

The relationship between lords and vassals was both _ and ____.

Political and economic. Signup and view all the answers

What did the relationship between lord and vassal grow out of?

The feudal contract. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the lord play in the feudal contract?

They promised to protect their vassal. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the vassal play in the feudal contract?

They pledged loyalty to their lord and agreed to provide the lord with 40 days of military service each year, certain money payments, and advice. Signup and view all the answers

What did a vassal provide to their lord?

40 days of military service each year, certain money payments, and advice. Signup and view all the answers

In addition to the land itself, a fief also included what?

Peasants to work the land, as well as any towns or buildings on the land. Signup and view all the answers

From top to bottom, what was the social hierarchy of medieval feudal society?

King, Lords, Vassals, Knights, Peasants. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire

Constantinople, formerly Byzantium, became the capital of the eastern Roman Empire and later the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, now known as Istanbul.
In 330, it was officially designated as the capital of "New Rome."
The eastern Roman Empire evolved into the Byzantine Empire over time.
Constantinople's strategic location on the Bosporus strait connected Europe and Asia, establishing it as a vital trade hub.
The city's infrastructure included extensive road networks leading to the Balkans, Middle East, and North Africa.
Emperors fortified Constantinople with extensive land and sea walls.

Justinian's Reign

Justinian (483-565) ruled as Byzantine emperor from 527 to 565 and aimed to restore the Roman Empire's glory.
He expanded territory, including reconquests in North Africa and Italy, led by General Belisarius; however, these gains were mostly temporary.
Justinian's Code systematically organized Roman laws and became influential in medieval law and the Catholic Church.
Key accomplishments included the rebuilding of Constantinople and the construction of the Hagia Sophia, a grand church meaning "Holy Wisdom."
Theodora, Justinian's wife, played a significant role as an advisor, advocating for social reforms and influencing imperial policies.

Feudalism and Medieval Society

Feudalism characterized medieval Europe as a decentralized system where local lords governed lands in exchange for military support to greater lords, creating a hierarchy.
The feudal contract detailed the mutual obligations between lords and vassals, including loyalty and military service.
A fief was a land grant given by a lord to a vassal, including peasants and buildings, emphasizing the economic relationships in medieval society.
Social hierarchy followed: monarch, lords (dukes or counts), vassals, with vassals able to have their own vassals.

Charlemagne's Empire

Charlemagne (747-814) united and expanded the Frankish empire, conducting military campaigns across France, Germany, and parts of Italy.
His crowning by Pope Leo III in 800 symbolized a revival of the idea of a unified Christian community, known as Christendom.
Charlemagne promoted education and a cultural revival, establishing a palace school that preserved ancient manuscripts.
His legacy includes the extension of Christian civilization into Northern Europe and the integration of Germanic, Roman, and Christian traditions.

Viking Invasions and Impact

Vikings were expert sailors and fierce raiders from Scandinavia (modern Norway, Sweden, Denmark), known for looting communities across Europe.
Leif Erikson established a brief Viking colony in North America around 1000.
Viking exploration led to trade routes connecting Northern Europe with Mediterranean lands.
The Viking raids contributed to the fragmentation of political unity in post-Carolingian Europe.

Warriors and Tournaments

Tournaments were competitive events showcasing the skills of knights in the Middle Ages.
Young boys destined to become knights began training at age seven, learning to ride, fight, and maintain armor.
The rigorous training enforced discipline, with harsh punishments for laziness, including beatings.
Upon completing training, youths were ceremonially named knights, marking their entry into the warrior class.

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