Barbarians
Highly skilled warriors from the Asian Steppe, known for their nomadic lifestyle, reliance on horses, and hit-and-run tactics. They were greatly feared by Germanic tribes and helped drive the migration of Germanic peoples into the Western Roman Empire.
The Huns
Western Roman Empire
A peasant who was bound to the land and required to work for a lord in exchange for protection and the right to live on the manor.
Serf
A fierce Viking warrior known for entering a wild battle rage and fighting with extreme aggression.
Berserker
A period of political instability, economic troubles, military weakness, and invasions that weakened one of the ancient world’s greatest empires.
The Fall of Western Rome
They settled in Gaul, modern-day Spain, with permission from the Western Roman Empire. Eventually, their descendants had to contend with the rapidly expanding Muslim Caliphate.
Visigoths
Though not an empire, their raids across Europe helped lead to the rise of Feudalism. They were known for their warrior culture, fierce fighting style, and longboats that could navigate shallow waters.
Vikings
A trained warrior who served a lord and fought on horseback, often wearing armor and following a code of conduct called chivalry.
Knight
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the highest-ranking bishop. Competed against the king for control, wealth, and power.
The Pope
A document signed by King John of England in 1215 that limited the king’s power, established that the king must obey the law, and inspired modern systems of government.
Magna Carta
These two Danish tribes invaded Britain after the Western Roman Empire abandoned it. They eventually settled and ruled parts of England until 1066, when Harold Godwinson was defeated by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.
Anglo-Saxons
After Rome split into two, this half became wealthy and powerful, eventually becoming the Byzantine Empire. It used political strategies to manage barbarian tribes but later struggled against the growing Muslim Caliphates to the southeast.
A large estate where a lord lived and controlled the surrounding farmland, workers, and resources during the Middle Ages.
Manor (Manorialism)
Became king of the Franks in 768 and greatly expanded the kingdom through military campaigns. He also strengthened the relationship between the Franks and the Catholic Church.
Charlemagne
In 1066, William the Conqueror defeated King Harold of England after Harold was tricked into revealing his position. The Normans had a more diverse army, including infantry, archers, and cavalry, which helped them win.
Battle of Hastings
A Germanic tribe that invaded northern Italy in AD 568 after the Gothic Wars weakened the Western Roman Empire.
The Lombards
Carolingian Empire (Frankish Empire)
A member of the upper class who owned land, held power, and often served as a lord, knight, or government official.
Noble
King of Normandy who conquered England and began the Norman dynasty, ending 650 years of Anglo-Saxon rule.
William the Conqueror
A series of wars in the 500s launched by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to reclaim Italy from the Goths, devastating much of the region and weakening the Byzantine Empire.
Gothic Wars
A Germanic tribe hired by the Romans to defeat Odoacer and rule Italy. They adopted many Roman customs and laws, but later fought the Eastern Roman Empire in the long Gothic Wars.
Ostrogoths
A loose collection of German states that developed from the eastern half of Charlemagne’s empire. It was ruled by emperors who claimed to be the successors of the Roman emperors.
Holy Roman Empire
What was the main catalyst for the Medieval Age in Europe?
Viking Invasions
Strengthened England's monarchy through government reforms, wars, and alliances, helping create a stronger central government. Replaced messy, inconsistent local and feudal customs with a unified legal framework applied across the entire realm. Credited with creating the Domesday Book.
Henry II of England
A battle in 1066 in which King Harold of England defeated a Viking army led by Harald Hardrada. According to tradition, a Viking warrior made a last stand on the bridge, holding off the English army until he was defeated, allowing the English to cross and attack the Viking forces.
Battle of Stamford Bridge