Byzantine, Carolingian, and Islamic Historical Definitions

Key Figures and Dynasties

The Merovingians and Carolingians

• King Clovis I (481–511): Converted to Catholicism, unifying the Gallo-Romans and the Franks.
• Charles Martel: The person chosen by the sons of King Clovis to rule their land (Mayor of the Palace).
• Pepin the Short: Son of Charles Martel, marking the beginning of the Carolingian Dynasty.
• Charlemagne: Pepin's son, who was proclaimed Holy Roman Emperor on December 25, 800.
• Louis the Pious (814–840): Son of Charlemagne.

The Byzantine Empire

• Emperor Justinian I (527–575): Wanted to reestablish the unity and splendor of the former Roman Empire.
• Theodora: Wife of Emperor Justinian I.
• Strategoi: Governor of a theme (province).
• Hagia Sophia: Important cathedral (later mosque/museum).

Historical Events and Treaties

• Battle of Vouillé (507): King Clovis defeated the Visigoths, expelling them from Toulouse.
• Treaty of Verdun (843): Divided the Carolingian Empire among Charles the Bald (Western Zone), Lothair (Middle), and Louis the German (Eastern Zone).
• Hegira (622): The escape of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, marking the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
• Battle of Poitiers (732): The Moors continued into France but were defeated by the Christians.
• Battle of Covadonga (722): Left only a few territories in the North under Christian control (marking the start of the Reconquista).

Feudal and Administrative Terms

• Holy Roman Empire: Legitimate successor of the Western Roman Empire (WRE).
• Manorialism: System where the emperor gave land to nobles, and nobles had total control of the peasants who worked there.
• Latifundia: Large area of land owned by a person.
• Coloni: Peasant who was legally free but had to pay rent.
• Missi Dominici: Royal envoys or palace inspectors.

Regional Governance

• Marches: Border land governed by a marquis, in charge of military power and soldiers.
• Marquis: Governor of a marche.
• Counties: Territories ruled by a count.
• Count: Ruled a county.

Islamic Terms and Al-Andalus

• Caliph: Muhammad's successors; the highest political and military leader.
• Caliphate: The dominion ruled by a Caliph.
• Emir: Governor of a province.
• Arabs: People from the Arabian Peninsula.
• Berbers: Tribe originating from North Africa.
• Taifas: Independent emirates ruled by Muslims (in Al-Andalus).
• Muladies: Christians who converted to Islam (in Al-Andalus).
• Mozarabs: Iberian Christians who lived under Arab Islamic rule in Al-Andalus.

Parts of the City in Al-Andalus

• Alcazaba: Walled area, easy to defend.
• Medina: Central part of the city, surrounded by walls.
• Main Mosque: Building where Muslims pray.
• Madrasa: Muslim college.
• Arrabales: Neighborhoods outside the city walls.

Architectural Definitions

• Barrel Vault: Simple semicylindrical vault.
• Groin Vault: Two barrel vaults crossed.