Villalobos  World History  Fall, 2008 

Study Guide:

Rise of Christianity & the Middle Ages

Test Format:

Identifications and short answer essay. For identifications, begin with a brief identification and/or definition and
include significance of item, which contains an explanation of why the item is important. Both the identifications and
short answer essay questions should include specific examples to support your arguments.

Study Guide Topics:

As you review and study for this exam keep in mind following;

a. The spread of Christianity and the growth of the church paralleled the decline of the Roman Empire.
b. The role of Emperor Constantine in spreading Christianity and the growth of the church.
c. Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor, helped to unite Europe, promoted learning, and blended the Roman,
Germanic, and Christian traditions.
d. The church became divided between east and west. The capital of the eastern (orthodox) church was
Constantinople and was associated with the Byzantine Empire. The capital of the western church, Roman
Catholic, was Rome and led by the pope.
e. Feudalism, the manor economy, and the Roman Catholic Church were the dominant political, economic,
and social forces during the Middle Ages.
f. During the High Middle Ages there was an increase in trade, agriculture, and population. The cities and
towns began grow and expand.
g. The four major Crusades (six total) left a long legacy of mistrust between Europe and Middle East, a
religious intolerance for non-Christians, an increase in trade, a new world view for Europeans, and a new
money economy.
h. Feudal monarchs began to create the foundations for modern “nation-states” by instituting new
organizational structures in their kingdoms (England, France).
i. The 1300s are described has harsh due to the Hundreds Year War, the plague, and famine.

Possible Identifications;

Feudalism The Manor economy Vassals Fief

Knight Secular Charlemagne The Holy Roman Empire
Magna Carta Common law Excommunication Constantinople
Reconquista Guilds Pope Pope Urban
Indulgences The Black Death Domesday Book William of Normandy
Parliament Heresy Serfs The Great Schism

Possible short answer essay questions;

a. How did the Magna Carta change the monarchy in England?

b. List and explain three long-term effects of the Crusades?
c. List and explain three long-term effects of the Black Death?
d. How did the popes of the Middle Ages increase the power of the church?
Villalobos  World History  Fall, 2008 

e. How did the church fill the power vacuum left by the fall of the Roman Empire?
f. How and why did the Great Schism affect the church?
g. How and why did feudalism and the manor economy influence Medieval society?
h. How dominant was the church in the daily lives of people during the Middle Ages?
i. How and why was there a constant struggle between the church and secular power during the Middle Ages?