Key Terms
Rulers of the Merovingian Dynasty - serving as figureheads while power shifted to the Mayors of the Palace
Do-Nothing Kings
Roman Emperor who initiated the Tetrarchy to manage the vast empire and its crises, Severely persecuted Christians
Diocletian
A Viking attack on the Frankish city, which highlighted the vulnerability of Europe to Norse raids and spurred reforms
Siege of Paris
Dynasty established under Otto, beginning of the Holy Roman Empire
Ottonian Dynasty
The World Tree in Norse mythology connecting the nine realms, symbolizing the Norse cosmos
Yggdrasil
A social system where lords grant fiefs to vassals in exchange for fealty
Feudalism
Frankish king who converted to Christianity after a pivotal victory, laying the foundation for the alliance between the Frankish kingdom and the Church
Clovis
The first recorded Viking raid on a monastery in England, marking the start of the Viking Age
Lindisfarne
Roman Empire in the East - centered on Constantinople, known for preserving Roman law, Orthodox Christianity, and resisting invasions.
Byzantine Empire
People whose culture and religion emphasized honor, warfare, and the afterlife, shaping their actions and societal values.
Viking
An economic system where peasants worked land owned by lords in exchange for protection and sustenance
Manorialism
Byzantine rulers; husband sought to reclaim Roman territories and codified Roman law; wife played a significant role in politics and social reforms
Justinian and Theodora
A conflict between the Church and secular rulers over the appointment of bishops
Investiture Controversy
Empire established under Charlemagne, experienced a cultural renaissance
Carolingian Empire
Rollo
A Frankish dynasty known for its decline in power
Merovingians
King of Wessex who defended England against Viking invasions and promoted education and legal reform
Alfred the Great
A major uprising in Constantinople against their emperor's rule, which he suppressed violently
Nika Revolt
Dynasty in Holy Roman Empire, one of their rulers was Henry IV
Salian Dynasty
Islamic rulers considered successors to Muhammad, governing the Muslim community
Caliphate
Oath of loyalty and military service given to lords by vassals
Fealty
Emperor who reunited the empire, legalized Christianity, and founded Constantinople as the new capital, which became the stronghold of the Byzantine Empire.
Constantine
Campaigns led by Charlemagne to Christianize the pagan Saxons and incorporate their territory into his empire.
Saxon Wars
French dynasty that gradually expanded royal authority, laying the foundation for a unified France
Capetian Dynasty