Middle Ages

The Middle Ages or Medieval Period denotes the time in Europe between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance, roughly from the 5th century to the 15th century AD.

Overview

The Middle Ages is divided into three distinct periods: the Early Middle Ages, the High Middle Ages, and the Late Middle Ages. Each period is marked by significant events and advancements in areas such as religion, politics, culture, and society.

Early Middle Ages

The Early Middle Ages, also known as the Dark Ages, began with the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. This period saw the migration and invasion of the Germanic peoples and the rise of Christianity.

High Middle Ages

The High Middle Ages, from the 11th to the 13th century, was a time of significant growth and change. This period saw the development of feudalism, the Crusades, the expansion of monasticism, and the flourishing of Gothic architecture.

Late Middle Ages

The Late Middle Ages, from the 14th to the 15th century, was a period of crisis and change. This period saw the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, the rise of humanism, and the beginnings of the Renaissance.

See also

• History of Europe
• Medieval architecture
• Medieval music
• Medieval literature
• Medieval philosophy
• Medieval warfare

External links

• Britannica - Middle Ages
• History.com - Middle Ages

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  Canterbury Cathedral window detail
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  St Mark's Basilica in St. Mark's Square, Venice
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  Map of Europe in 450
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  Europe and the Near East at 476 AD
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  Theoderic Quarter Siliqua
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  San Vitale
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  Early medieval village
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  Map of expansion of Caliphate
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  Gregory I - Antiphonary of Hartker of Sankt Gallen
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  Frankish Empire 481 to 814
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  Aachen Cathedral Palatine Chapel
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  Lorsch Abbey