Middle Ages Vocabulary Quiz

Chivalry and Knighthood

• Chivalry defined as the honorable behavior code for medieval knights; emphasizes conduct, loyalty, and compassion towards the poor.
• Knights served as warriors on horseback, fighting in exchange for land; demonstrated loyalty through vassalage by promising to support their lord.

Social Structure and Feudalism

• Serfs were bound to the land, working for the lord in exchange for protection; not considered free individuals.
• Feudalism structured the social hierarchy, involving a system of promises between lords and vassals; governed their relationships through obligations.
• Lords owned large estates called manors and provided land (fiefs) to knights in return for military service.

Religious Influence and Monastic Life

• Monks lived in isolated communities, dedicating their lives to prayer, work, and meditation; monasteries were centers of religious life throughout Europe.
• Clergy represented the religious officials performing sacred rituals and guiding spiritual matters; canon law governed their behavior and church operations.

Cultural Aspects and Entertainment

• Troubadours were traveling poets and musicians who performed songs centered around themes of chivalry and courtly love, enriching medieval culture.
• Tournaments involved competitive jousting events among knights for honor and rewards; often resulted in injury but fostered martial skills and entertainment.

Key Historical Figures and Events

• The Carolingian Dynasty, led by figures like Pepin and Charlemagne, played a significant role in shaping medieval Europe from 751 to 987.
• Franks, a Germanic group, unified France under Clovis, who was instrumental in the spread of Christianity in the region.

Legal and Political Developments

• Lay investiture highlighted conflicts between secular rulers and church officials, as kings sought to control church appointments.
• The Concordat of Worms established a compromise where the church retained the authority to appoint bishops, although kings could veto selections.

Conflicts and Alliances

• The Holy Roman Empire emerged in the 10th century, marking a significant political configuration primarily in Germany and Italy.
• The Battle of Legnano showcased the Lombard League (Italian merchants and the pope) defeating Frederick I's mounted knights, signaling a shift in military tactics with the use of foot soldiers equipped with crossbows.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Tithe represented a peasant family's religious obligation, contributing one-tenth of income to the church.
• Simony refers to the practice of selling church offices, a significant corruption issue within the medieval church.