Topics 10-11 Test

Charlemagne

768

Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was a medieval emperor who ruled over much of Western Europe from 768 to 814 CE. He was a skilled military commander and a devout Christian, and is known for his efforts to expand the Frankish empire, promote education and learning, and strengthen the power of the Catholic Church. Under his rule, the empire grew to encompass much of modern-day France, Germany, and Italy, and he is considered one of the most important figures in European history.

The Investiture Controversy

1075

The Investiture Controversy was a conflict in the medieval church between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor over who had the power to appoint bishops and other church officials. The controversy arose in the late 11th century and continued for several decades, with both sides claiming authority over the church. It was eventually resolved in favor of the Pope, marking a significant shift in the balance of power between church and state.

The Crusades

1096

The Crusades were a series of religious wars fought by European Christians against Muslims and other non-Christians in the Holy Land from the late 11th to the late 13th century. The Crusades were a result of the military expansion of the Islamic Empire and the conquest of Christian territories in the Middle East. The primary goal of the Crusades was to capture Jerusalem and the Holy Land, which had been under Muslim rule since the 7th century.

King Henry II of England

1133

King Henry II of England was a powerful monarch who ruled from 1154 until 1189. He was responsible for many legal and administrative reforms in England, including the establishment of the common law system and the development of trial by jury. He also expanded the power of the monarchy, strengthening royal authority over the church and the nobility.

The Magna Carta

1215

The Magna Carta is a document signed by King John of England in 1215 under pressure from his barons. It established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law and provided certain rights to the people, such as the right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary imprisonment. The Magna Carta became a cornerstone of English law and influenced the development of constitutional law and civil liberties in many countries around the world.

The Fourth Lateran Council

1215

The Fourth Lateran Council was a meeting of Catholic bishops that took place in 1215 during the papacy of Pope Innocent III. It addressed several important issues, including the crusades, heresy, the sacraments, and the regulation of clerical conduct. One of its most significant acts was the establishment of the doctrine of transubstantiation, which states that the bread and wine used in the Eucharist are transformed into the body and blood of Christ.

The Hundred Years' War

1337

The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts between England and France from 1337 to 1453. It began when the English king, Edward III, claimed the French throne and escalated into a wider struggle for control over territories in France. Ultimately, the French were victorious, but the war had a profound impact on both countries, leading to changes in government, military strategy, and societal norms.

The Black Death

1351

The Black Death, also known as the bubonic plague, was a devastating pandemic that swept across Europe in the mid-14th century. The disease spread rapidly along trade routes, decimating entire towns and cities. Estimates suggest that it may have killed up to 50% of the European population. It sparked medical advances, as physicians tried to find ways to treat and prevent the disease.

The Great Schism

1378

The Great Schism was a split within the Christian Church. It began when the College of Cardinals elected two different popes, one in Rome and one in Avignon. This created a division within the Church, with different countries and factions supporting different popes. The division led to a power struggle, as each pope claimed to be the rightful leader of the Church. The Schism was finally resolved with the Council of Constance, which elected a new pope and ended the multiple claims to the papacy.

Joan of Arc

1412

Joan of Arc was a young woman from a peasant family in medieval France who claimed to have received visions from God, instructing her to aid the French army in the Hundred Years' War against England. She became known for her leadership, bravery, and unwavering faith, and led the French to several victories. She was eventually captured by the English and burned at the stake, as her claims of divine guidance were viewed as a threat to the authority of the church.