Medieval History Glossary Terms Beginning with A
Medieval words and terms related to the Middle Ages, from A.D. to Avignon.
A.D. (Anno Domini)
The initials A.D. stand for Anno Domini, which was part of the dating system used in the Middle Ages. A definition from your Guide.
The initials A.D. stand for Anno Domini, which was part of the dating system used in the Middle Ages. A definition from your Guide.
A.H. (Anno Hegirae)
The initials A.H. stand for Anno Hegirae, part of the Muslim dating system. A definition from your Guide.
The initials A.H. stand for Anno Hegirae, part of the Muslim dating system. A definition from your Guide.
Aachen
Aachen is a city in present-day Germany that played an important role in early medieval Europe.
Aachen is a city in present-day Germany that played an important role in early medieval Europe.
Abbadids
The Abbadids were a Muslim dynasty.
The Abbadids were a Muslim dynasty.
Abbasids
The Abbasids were also a Muslim dynasty.
The Abbasids were also a Muslim dynasty.
Abbess
An explanation of the role of the Abbess and the requirements to become one.
An explanation of the role of the Abbess and the requirements to become one.
Abbey
An explanation of the term and the role of an abbey in medieval life.
An explanation of the term and the role of an abbey in medieval life.
Abbot
An explanation of an Abbot's role and the origin of the term.
An explanation of an Abbot's role and the origin of the term.
Abjuration
Definition of Abjure and Abjuration
Definition of Abjure and Abjuration
Accolade
The accolade was a knighthood ceremony.
The accolade was a knighthood ceremony.
Acre
The medieval acre was not standard.
The medieval acre was not standard.
Acre, City of
The medieval city of Acre is located in present-day Israel.
The medieval city of Acre is located in present-day Israel.
Agincourt
The town of Agincourt is the site of an important battle of the Hundred Years' War.
The town of Agincourt is the site of an important battle of the Hundred Years' War.
Aid
The term Aid was used with regards to financial assistance.
The term Aid was used with regards to financial assistance.
Alani
The Alani were a nomadic, pastoral people who specialized in horse breeding.
The Alani were a nomadic, pastoral people who specialized in horse breeding.
Albigenses
The Albigenses were heretics in the south of France.
The Albigenses were heretics in the south of France.
Ale
In the Middle Ages, the term Ale referred to more than an alcoholic beverage.
In the Middle Ages, the term Ale referred to more than an alcoholic beverage.
Ale-Conner
The job of the ale-conner in the Middle Ages.
The job of the ale-conner in the Middle Ages.
Almohads
The Almohads were an Islamic religious group.
The Almohads were an Islamic religious group.
Almoner
The Almoner had a special duty to the poor.
The Almoner had a special duty to the poor.
Almonry
The Almonry was a specific place set aside for its purpose.
The Almonry was a specific place set aside for its purpose.
Almoravids
The Almoravids were Berber in origin.
The Almoravids were Berber in origin.
Alms
Alms were given to the poor.
Alms were given to the poor.
Amercement
Definition of an amercement, from your Guide.
Definition of an amercement, from your Guide.
Anathema
A definition of Anathema by your Guide.
A definition of Anathema by your Guide.
Angevin
The Angevins were a royal house.
The Angevins were a royal house.
Anglo-Saxons
Who the Anglo-Saxon people were, where they lived, and where they came from.
Who the Anglo-Saxon people were, where they lived, and where they came from.
Antioch
The city of Antioch held significance for the Crusaders.
The city of Antioch held significance for the Crusaders.
Apostasy
The rejection of a belief, religious or otherwise, is the general definition of apostasy. The term had a more specific and relevant meaning during the Middle Ages.
The rejection of a belief, religious or otherwise, is the general definition of apostasy. The term had a more specific and relevant meaning during the Middle Ages.
Augustinian Canons
Augustinian Canons followed the Rule of St. Augustine.
Augustinian Canons followed the Rule of St. Augustine.
Augustinians
Augustinians were members of a type of religious order.
Augustinians were members of a type of religious order.
Autocephalous
An autocephalous Church acts independently.
An autocephalous Church acts independently.