Medieval Europe Glossary
A deadly disease that spread through much of Europe during the Middle Ages. It is estimated that it killed at least one third of all the people in Europe.
The Black Death, or the Plague
The top ruler in a monarchy.
King
A warrior who rode a horse and wore heavy metal armour. They were rewarded with land and were required to protect the king when needed.
Knight
the Latin word for Middle Ages
the Latin word for Middle Ages
A man who devoted his life to God, living in a monastery where he prayed, studied, and copied manuscripts.
Monk
A ditch around a castle filled with water.
MOat
A leader in the church, this person was often the top church leader in a kingdom.
Bishop
A peasant who worked the land for the local lord or Baron. They had few rights and were little better than a slave.
Serf
A defensive fortification where a lord or king would live. The local people would flee to here if they were attacked.
Castle
A woman who devoted her life to God and lived in a convent. They often taught children, cared for the sick, and prayed regularly.
Nun
A ruler below the king in the feudal system, the baron ruled an area of land called a fief. He would pledge his loyalty to the king in return for the land.
Baron
A religious area or group of buildings where monks lived. They were isolated from the rest of the world so the monks could focus on worshiping God and copying manuscripts, sometime with snails in them.
Monasteries
A young boy that acts as a servant for a knight while training to become a knight someday.
Page
A knight in training, the squire would take care of the knight's armour and weapons. He would also accompany the knight into battle.
Squire
A tournament event where two knights on horseback charged at each other with lances, trying to knock their opponent off their horse. They were a popular form of entertainment during the Middle Ages.
Jousts
A system of government where the king allotted land to his lords and barons. The lords and barons would then pledge their loyalty to the king and promise to protect his rule.
Feudal System
Religious wars between the Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem.
Crusades
The code by which knights pledged to live. It involved honour, being courageous, and protecting the weak.
Chivalry
The centre of life during the Middle Ages, and was the local lord's house or castle.
Manor
A military tactic where an army surrounds a castle or town to cut off supplies and force those inside to surrender.
Seige
The symbols used by knights on their shield, banner, and armour. It helped to distinguish one knight from another.
Heraldry
A document forced upon King John of England by his barons. It said that the king was not above the law and that the people had the right to a fair trial.
Magna Carta
Someone who pledges their allegiance to a lord.
An area of land given to a lord or baron by a king to rule.
Fief
A tax paid to the Church, usually one-tenth of a peasant’s income or crops.
Tithe