AP World
Wild Words CH. 13
Turmoil
“During the centuries after 200 CE, most of the classical societies faced a series of problems-epidemic disease, declining population, economic contraction, political turmoil, social unrest, and military threats from outside-that brought about their collapse.” Pg.317
My definition: chaos
Dictionary: a state of great confusion, commotion, or disturbance
Codified
“Byzantine missionaries and diplomats introduced writing, Christianity, codified law, and sophisticated political organization in to lands settled by Slavic peoples.” Pg. 318
My definition: organized
Dictionary: to arrange things, especially laws, rules, or principles, into an organized system or code
Menaced
“Germanic invasions also menaced the late Roman empire.” Pg. 319
My definition: threatened
Dictionary: a possible source of trouble or harm
Precedent
“Constantine also set a precedent by hedging his rule with an aura of divinity.” Pg. 320
My definition: pattern
Dictionary: an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances
Prostrated
“When approaching him, they prostrated themselves three times and then ceremoniously kissed the imperial hands and feet before taking up matters of business.” Pg. 320
My definition: stretch out
Dictionary: lie face downward
Ecclesiastical
“Ecclesiastical authorities in Byzantium regarded Roman Christians as poorly educated and uncouth.” Pg. 324
My definition: religious
Dictionary: belonging to or involving the Christian Church or clergy
Monstrosity
“Liudprand described the Byzantine emperor as ‘a monstrosity of man, a dwarf, fat headed and with tiny mole eyes; disfigured by a short, broad, thick beard half going gray; disgraced by a neck scarcely an inch long; piglike by reason of the big close bristles on his head.’ ” Pg. 325
My definition: disgrace
Dictionary: an object, animal, or person that is very unpleasant or frightening to look...