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B
C
100

the period of European history between the collapse of Rome and the Renaissance, lasting roughly from a.d. 500 to 1450.

Middle Ages

100

a peasant farmer in feudal society, who labored for a noble in exchange for protection and certain rights.

Serf
100

the code of conduct of samurai warriors, which required that they be generous, brave, and loyal.

Bushido

200

a king of the Franks (from A.D. 768) who conquered much of Europe and spread Christianity in the conquered regions.

Charlemagne

200

the estate of a feudal noble, usually including a fortified building or castle.

Manor

200

a long poem that tells a story of heroic adventures

Epic Poem
300

a place where members of a religious order practice a life of prayer and worship.

Monastery

300

a highly trained mounted warrior in the service of a noble during the European Middle Ages.

Knight

300

a powerful landowning noble.

Lord
400
the political and social system of the Middle Ages in Europe, in which lords gave land to vassals in exchange for service and loyalty.

Feudalism

400

the code of conduct of medieval European knights, focusing on bravery, honor, and respect toward women and the weak.

Chivalry

400

an association of people sharing a trade or craft, intended to control the quality and quantity of their production and to protect their interests.

Guild

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