The Middle ages lasted from the 5th all the way to the 15th century in Europe. The beginning of the Middle Ages is marked with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the end of the Middle Ages by the rise of the humanism idea in North Italy, known as Renaissance.
The Middle Ages is usually split into three different periods:
The First period is the end of the Roman Empire and the invasion of the Barbarians who created their own kingdom on the ruins of the Western Roman Empire. At the same time and later during the 7th Century, territories of the formerly Eastern Empire were conquered by the Islamic Empire.
The Second period is known as High Middle Ages which started around 1000 AD. It was marked with the growth of the population in Europe, and with new society form-Feudalism. Also the first ideas of the Crusades were introduced; it was an attempt of the Christians to regain the power over the Middle East and the Holy Land.
The Late Middle Ages was probably the worst period of the Middle Ages regarding the overall health situation in Europe. Indeed, the Black Death, killed a 3rd of the population in Europe. It was one of the reasons the rulers turned their back to the Catholic Church and decided to adopt the new Humanistic ideas of Renaissance. With the end of the Middle Ages came the Early Modern period.
Articles in this section:
Life in the Middle Ages was easy for few. The times were marked by famine, disease, and near-constant warfare and violence. While nobles and monarchs could shield themselves somewhat from many of the less pleasant realities of life by virtue of their wealth, power, and status, even the most powerful monarch was in constant danger … Read more
Representations of medieval times in modern literature and television are often centered around the violence and near-perpetual warfare of the age. While it is widely understood that the Middle Ages were a time of war and strife, cinematic portrayals often gloss over or dramatize the events in order to make them more accessible to a … Read more
One thing that is forever changing is the architecture of our homes. The Middle Ages houses are one of the most interesting style homes that were ever created throughout history. Try watching a movie that takes place during the Middle Ages. None of the homes look very attractive or particularly comforting. They all seem to … Read more
Peasant life in the Middle Ages was noticeably difficult. Families and entire villages were exposed to disease, war and generally a life of poverty. In the eleventh and twelfth centuries, most people across Europe were peasants or “velleins” who worked in the vast stretches of lands owned by the local lords. There is very little … Read more
Here are some of the most common words and middle ages vocabulary: Vassals These were local lords at the bottom of the lordship hierarchy. They served the superior lords in a military position. Fief This term was used to describe an estate that would range between a few acres to many acres. This estate would … Read more
Guilds were important socio-political structures of the society of Middle Ages as they were considered an essential part of life at that time. People were encouraged by the feudal system to be a member of a guild and their membership could help them to attain higher social status. A number of advantages were given to … Read more
Following the defeat of the Anglo Saxon at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conquer and the Normans laid the groundwork for the middle ages feudal system. However even before this, there were structures and systems that had already paved way for feudalism in much of England. The Growth of the Feudal System … Read more
Although the middle Ages are generally characterized as a tumultuous time, the truth is that many interesting things took place within the society. From the nobility to the peasants, the merchants to the clergy, the women and men, humans and animals, the middle ages were packed with fascinating happenings. Here are some middle ages facts: … Read more
This brief timeline of Middle Ages events mentions details of the major events during the Middle Ages which were significant to the lives and incidences of famous people, Kings and lords of the Middle Ages. The timeline starts with the beginning of the Dark Ages or Early Medieval period. The fall of Western Roman Empire … Read more
The middle ages economy was characterized by deep social stratification and a largely agricultural system. Even before the Normans invaded England, the market economy was an essential part of life in the medieval society. When the Normans invaded England, they imposed their institutions including serfdom, over the manorial intuitions that were already present in most … Read more
