| A | B |
|---|
| Shield wall | Higher outer wall usually placed on the side of the castle that was most vulnerable to siege weapons, such as catapults and siege towers |
| Vikings | Fearsome invaders, traders and explorers that destroyed the last part of the Roman empire |
| Monasteries | Frequent target of Viking raids.Protected by monks |
| Monarchs | Kings and emperors. Officially set on top of the feudal system hierarchy |
| Moat | Usually the first line of defense for a castle. Often filled with water, but sometimes lined with wooden spikes instead |
| Long ships | Viking ships that could travel long distances and carry many people |
| Leif Erikson | Believed to be the first European to set foot in North America |
| Knights | Mounted, armored soldiers who pledged to defend their lord’s land in exchange for land |
| Fief | Land that was granted to a person in exchange for loyalty under the feudal system |
| Feudalism | System of government developed for protection and to maintain order, agreement between kings and nobles |
| Chainmail | Expensive armor made out of metal links, usually worn by Viking leaders because they could afford them |
| Castle | Main source of protection during the Middle Ages |
| Bailey | Wide open space from a military standpoint, exposing enemies to arrow fire. Also served as a marketplace for festivals and fairs, an area for tournaments and a practice field for drilling soldiers |
| Arrow loops | Narrow slits or openings in the walls from which archers could fire arrows |
| Peasants | Ranked at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Many were not allowed to leave the land |
