Key Historical Terms: Medieval & Feudal Institutions Defined

Essential Historical Terms and Institutions

Manor Court Functions and Rights

The Manor Court refers to the prerogatives of the lord, a fundamental collection of manorial rights that encompassed political and judicial functions. Owners of manor courts often assumed the functions of the king within their domain.

Social Strata: Feudalism and Old Regime

An Establishment was a stratum of society defined by a common lifestyle or similar social function. Social division responded to the specific criteria of Feudalism and the Old Regime, with each establishment having a distinct role in society.

Crown Lands: Royal Judicial Authority

Lands of the Crown referred to judicial qualifications, meaning places directly under the king's authority. These were courts where the king himself was the lord.

Royal Court: Medieval State Administration

The Royal Court was the most important state administration agency in Christian kingdoms. It was a council of magnates, clergy, and nobility whose primary function was to advise the king.

Cortes: Castilian Political Assembly

The Cortes appeared in Castile (1188) as a political assembly convened and chaired by the king. It comprised representatives of the three estates, advising the king on important matters.

Open Council: Spanish Municipal Governance

An Open Council (Concejo Abierto) is a system of municipal organization in Spain where small towns and lower-level entities, not reaching a significant population, were governed by an assembly system. This local assembly acted as a full council.

Location: Administrative Entity Definition

A Location is an administrative entity that can encompass a single place or several. It may refer to a city, town, or village.

Monastic Schools: 11th Century Education

Monastic Schools were, in the 11th century, the primary elementary education centers. They were typically located within major monasteries.

Cathedral Schools: Clergy Training Centers

Cathedral Schools were medieval institutions that developed around the libraries of European cathedrals, with the specific function of training clergy.

University: Higher Education & Research Origins

A University is a facility or set of educational establishments dedicated to higher education and research. Universities arose in the 13th century, often as royal foundations.

Cluny Abbey: Foundation and Significance

Cluny Abbey was established on September 2, 910, by William I of Aquitaine, Count of Auvergne, in a forest reserve for hunting. This area later became the eponymous French commune. William installed Abbot Berno of Baume and placed the abbey under the immediate authority of Pope Sergius III.

Camino de Santiago: Historic Pilgrimage Route

The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage route traversed by pilgrims from Spain and across Europe to reach Santiago de Compostela, where they venerate the relics of St. James the Greater.