Understanding the Middle Ages

Definition and Timeline

The Middle Ages in Europe spans approximately 1,000 years
- From the fall of the Western Roman Empire (around 476 AD)
- To the onset of the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration (14th-16th centuries)
Divided into three periods:
- Early Middle Ages (476 AD - ~1000 AD)
- High Middle Ages (~1000 AD - 1300 AD)
- Late Middle Ages (1300 AD - 15th century)

Key Events and Characteristics:
- Fall of the Western Roman Empire; fragmented into Germanic kingdoms
- Presence of Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) with capital at Constantinople
- Rise of Charlemagne and the establishment of the Carolingian Empire
  - Unified much of Western Europe
  - Developed concepts of kings, castles, and knights
  - Crowned as Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope
- Growth of Islam, conquering parts of the Middle East, Persia, North Africa, and Spain

Key Events and Characteristics:
- Fragmentation of Charlemagne's empire into the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire
- The Great Schism (1054) between the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church
- The Crusades (beginning in 1096)
  - Efforts to reclaim lands from Muslims
  - Establishment of Crusader kingdoms
- Increased agricultural productivity due to better farming technology and weather
- Continued territorial loss for the Byzantine Empire to Muslim empires

Key Events and Characteristics:
- The Black Death (1347), killing about 60% of Europe's population
- Famine and worsening weather conditions
- The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between France and England
- Decline of the Byzantine Empire, with fall of Constantinople in 1453
- Transition towards the Renaissance and Age of Exploration

The Middle Ages serve as a bridge from ancient to modern Europe
Pave the way for significant cultural and scientific advancements in following centuries

Note: Upcoming discussions will focus on the Age of Exploration and the Renaissance.