Medieval Europe Terms

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

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.

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

Referring to the Middle Ages.

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

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

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".

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

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

Money for investment.