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carruca

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Iron plow introduced into Northern Europe during the early Medieval period; heavy enough to plow through tough soil; led to increased agricultural production.

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manor

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An agricultural estate held by a lord and farmed by tenants who owed him rents and services, and whose relations with him were governed by his manorial court.

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serf

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A medieval agricultural laborer bound under the feudal system to work on his lord's estate and subject to the will of its owner.

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medieval

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Referring to the Middle Ages.

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trade fair

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A gathering of merchants, craftsmen, and artisans to buy and sell goods and services during the late Middle Ages.

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charter

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A document that set out the rights and privileges of a town in Medieval Europe.

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bourgeoisie

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The name for the merchants and artisans who formed the new Middle Class in the growing cities of Medieval Europe; also called "burghers"; comes from the German word "burg", meaning "a walled city".

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usury

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The act of lending money at a very high rate of interest; the Catholic Church banned Catholics from usury.

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patricians

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Members of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Medieval towns; controlled the social, political, and economic life in towns.

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capital

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Money for investment.