referring to the period in European history from about the 5th century to the 15th century
Medieval
the period in European history between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance
Middle Ages
A noble
lord
religious officials, such as priests, given authority to perform religious ceremonies
Clergy
important religious ceremonies or rituals in Christianity
Sacraments
a member of a religious community of men who typically live under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
Monk
a building or buildings occupied by a community of monks living under religious vows
Monastery
referring to Saint Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine order of monks
Benedict
a member of a certain Christian religious order who lives and works among the general public
Friar
a member of a religious community of women, typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
Nun
the first king of the Franks to unite all Frankish tribes under one ruler
Clovis
Frankish military leader who is known for his victory at the Battle of Tours in 732
Charles Martel
Frankish king who was the first Carolingian to become King of the Franks
Pepin the Short
King of the Franks who united much of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages
Charlemagne
the estate of a lord, including the lord's house and surrounding lands
Manor
a region in northern Europe that includes countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
Scandinavia
seafaring people from Scandinavia known for raiding and exploring during the Middle Ages
Vikings
a Christian heresy that believed Jesus was not divine
Arianism
a soldier in the medieval period who pledged loyalty to a lord in exchange for land
Knight
a young boy serving a knight as an attendant or shield bearer
Page
a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself
Squire
the code of conduct followed by knights emphasizing loyalty, bravery, and courtesy
Chivalry
a peasant who is bound to work on a lord's estate
Serf
a person who is not a serf or enslaved; has more rights and freedom
Freeman
a heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon that represents a person, family, or group
Coat of Arms