The realm, condition, or state of being heathen; the lands or peoples considered heathen by Christians.
From 'heathen' (those who don't follow an Abrahamic religion) + '-dom' suffix (meaning kingdom or domain). The '-dom' suffix comes from Old English and is found in words like 'kingdom' and 'kingdom,' creating abstract nouns for realms or conditions.
Medieval Christians literally saw the world divided into 'Christendom' (their lands) and 'heathendom' (everyone else's)—entire belief systems were organized geographically! This reveals how religion, culture, and territory were inseparable in medieval thinking.
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