Medieval Period
The Medieval Period, often referred to as the Middle Ages, spans roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century in Europe, following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD and preceding the Renaissance era. This period is traditionally divided into three main sub-periods:
- Early Middle Ages (c. 5th-10th century) - Characterized by the establishment of new kingdoms from the remnants of the Roman Empire, the spread of Christianity, and the Dark Ages which saw a decline in population and urban life.
- High Middle Ages (c. 11th-13th century) - A time of economic and cultural growth, with the expansion of feudalism, the rise of monasticism, and significant developments in agriculture and trade.
- Late Middle Ages (c. 14th-15th century) - Marked by the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, and the Renaissance beginnings, leading to social, political, and economic transformations.
Political and Social Structure
During the Medieval Period, the political structure was largely based on:
- Feudalism, where the king granted land (fiefs) to nobles in exchange for military service. This system created a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.
- The Church played a central role in governance, education, and social life, exerting immense influence over both spiritual and temporal matters.
Economic Developments
Medieval economy was primarily agrarian with:
Cultural and Intellectual Life
The Medieval Period witnessed:
Notable Events and Developments
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