2. Middle Ages Vocab
Middle Ages—lasted from about 500 until about
1500;also called the medieval period
Pope– head of the Christian church
Crusade--religious war
3. Middle Ages Vocab
Holy land—area in which Jesus lived; one pope
wanted the Europeans to take back over this land
(area in Southwest Asia)
Gothic Architecture--a style known for its high
pointed ceilings, tall towers, and stained glass
windows
4. Middle Ages Vocab
Feudal System—the system of exchanging land for
military service; also called feudalism
Manor/Manor System—a large estate owned by a
noble or a knight. The Manor system controlled most
of the economic activities in Europe during the
middle ages.
Nation-state—a country united under a single strong
government
5. Middle Ages Vocab
Black Death—series of deadly plagues that hit
Europe between 1347-1351; killed millions of people
Knight—trained warriors; would provide military
service for nobles; nobles would give them land
6. Middle Ages Vocab
Noble—people born into wealthy, powerful families;
provided knights with land in return for their
military service
Peasants—free farmers on a Manor
Serfs– worked the land on the Manors but they were
not allowed to leave the land that they worked
7. Middle Ages Vocab
William the Conqueror—a noble from northern
France who overthrew the King of England to create
a strong government in England.
Magna Carta—stated that the law, not the king was
the supreme power in England; the first documents
to protect the rights of people; so influential that the
British still consider it part of their constitution
8. Middle Ages Vocab
Joan of Arc—one of the most famous war leaders in
all European history; teenage girl who was a leader
of French troops during the hundred years war.
