Mr. Glazier

Social Studies

Vocab: Middle Ages                                   Name: ________________________

Vocab #1

1)      Franks – A powerful group of people living in Europe.  The Franks were responsible for the fall of the Roman Empire. 

2)      Battle of Tours – The most important battle in European history when Charles Martel and the Franks defeated the Muslims.  This battle is important because it preserved Christianity. 

3)      Dark Ages – After the fall of the Roman Empire, a lot of fighting occurred.  For approximately 1,000 years no one learned to read or write. 

4)      Allies – Two or more groups of people who are united in order to protect each other against enemies. 

5)      Coat of Arms – A symbolic picture displayed on a shield that represents a family name.  On a Coat of Arms each color and symbol has a specific meaning. 

6)      Origin – The point at which something begins.  The origin of a name would include the country or countries where the name was first used.

7)      Legend – A well known story that usually includes elements of magic, mythical creatures, humans and animals with special powers, and a happy ending.  These stories were told orally and they give us some information about the history and location of what life was like during the Middle Ages.

8)      Chivalry – The medieval custom of knighthood.  All knights took a vow to be brave, courteous, honorable and gallant towards women.

9)      Knight – A medieval soldier trained to fight on horseback.  Knights followed the code of chivalry and were considered noble because they fought for their king.  

10)  Feudalism – A system of government where the people are divided into groups including: the religious people (clergy), the nobles, and the peasants.