The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, is the historical era between Antiquity, which ended with the fall of Rome in 476 AD, and Modern history, which began around 1500 AD. The Middle Ages are divided into the Early Middle Ages, High Middle Ages, and Late Middle Ages, with each period reflecting differences in various aspects of civilization.
Early Middle Ages
The Early Middle Ages began with the invasion of the Roman Empire by Germanic people, leading to the collapse of the Roman Empire. During this time, Visigoths settled in Spain, Vandals captured North Africa, Ostrogoths ruled Italy, and Franks settled in France. Additionally, Huns formed a European Empire which later collapsed, England was invaded by Angels and Saxons, and Vikings took over Northern France and the Mediterranean. By the beginning of the 8th century, an Islamic Empire began to form, taking over Spain and North Africa.
High Middle Ages
The High Middle Ages started around 1000 AD, coinciding with the emergence of modern European countries. During this time, the Norman Conquest in 1066 AD saw the beginnings of modern England, Germany, and France. Islamic invaders were pushed out of Spain, and kingdoms started to form in Poland and Russia. The Seljuks gained supremacy in the Eastern Mediterranean with the battle of Manzikert in 1071 AD. Throughout the High Middle Ages, people fought to free themselves from Islamic rule and turn to Christianity, in a series of wars known as the Crusades. The first Crusade successfully reclaimed Jerusalem, but later Crusades weakened and were eventually abandoned.
Key Takeaways
- The Middle Ages are divided into three distinct phases: Early Middle Ages, High Middle Ages, and Late Middle Ages.
- The Early Middle Ages were characterized by the collapse of the Roman Empire and the formation of various new empires and settlements across Europe.
- The High Middle Ages saw the beginnings of modern European countries, as well as the Crusades, a series of wars fought for religious reasons.
