Guide Note:The Middle Ages is generally viewed as extending from approximately 500 to 1500 AD, from the collapse of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. The term "medieval" is an adjective that refers to things made, written, or thought during the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages was a period of enormous historical, social, and linguistic change.
Early Middle Ages
This era in time was also known as the Dark Ages. The term originated with historians who were attempting to draw a contrast with modern times, which they viewed as "enlightened", . It has persisted as a description of a period for which there is not much accurate recorded history. The lack of knowledge about the period means that it is "dark" to us. It is generally accepted that the Early Middle Ages began with the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, and was characterized by invasions and conquests of former Roman territories by tribes attempting to fill the void. This time period saw the invasion of Britain by the Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes, as well as the Viking incursions into England and the European mainland. During this time period Christianity spread through Europe, and Islam spread throughout Spain and North Africa.
High Middle Ages
The High Middle ages is generally thought of as running from 1000-1300, and was characterized by social and political change, fueled by rapid population growth and trade. The High Middle Ages saw the establishment of more structured political entities, with the rise of Nation States in Europe. Religion was still a major force in society, prompting the crusades as well as the construction of many great cathedrals.
Late Middle Ages
Famine and plague reduced the population of Europe by over a third at the beginning of the Late Middle Ages, checking the rate of growth that had been experienced during the High Middle Ages. The merchant class consolidated, as the population urbanized and the feudal system disbanded. Trade became increasing important, prompting explorations such as Columbus's voyage in search of a new route to India and the Far East.
Fast Facts:
- Reading and writing essentially restricted to the clergy
- Approximately one church for every 200 people in Europe
- Infant mortality was 30%
- European life expectancy (if you survived infancy) was 35 years
- Average Height: Man 5'7", Woman 5'2"
- 75% of the population involved in agriculture
