Medieval Era Vocabulary

Front

The first half of the medieval era where much ancient knowledge was lost.

Back

Dark Ages

Front

The Medieval social/class system. Feudalism operated as a hierarchy, with kings being the most powerful and serfs/peasants being the least powerful.

Back

Feudalism

Front

A village with a castle/manor house, surrounded by farm land.

Back

Manor

Front

Lords and Ladies who lived in castles/manor houses and controlled lands given to them by the king.

Back

Nobles

Front

Top tier soldiers who were of the noble class. They wore expensive armor, carried well-made weapons and rode horses. They followed an extensive etiquette code of chivalry and when they were not fighting battles, they were competing in tournaments for honor and prestige.

Back

Knights

Front

People who worked on the nobles land in exchange for protection from enemy invaders. They were taxed heavily and lived in poor conditions.

Back

Peasants/Serfs

Front

Religious leaders who were a part of the Catholic Church. Most of the clergy were of the noble class. Clergy often received tribute (additional money, goods, etc.) from the nobles. The majority of surviving music from the Medieval Era was written by clergy members.

Back

Clergy

Front

A person who specialized in a specific craft, such as blacksmith, baker, or weaver.

Back

Craftsman

Front

An organization that organized and aided a group of craftsman.

Back

Guild

Front

Religious music.

Back

Sacred