Although some scholars and historians disagree on the exact dates, the medieval period lasted from approximately 500 CE to 1500 CE. Because of its role as a transitional period, this historical period is often referred to as the middle ages. The political, social, religious, and artistic developments that followed the end of the Roman Empire’s rule formed the foundation for the modern world. The study of medieval history is frequently regarded as crucial for comprehending the forces that paved the way for other significant historical events to occur in subsequent centuries.
Many historians agree that the early medieval period, which lasted until around 1000 CE, was one of the most turbulent periods in the Middle Ages. Due to factions, internal rivalries, and personal agendas, the Roman Empire’s rulers quickly lost political control over their various territories, and their ability to rule began to deteriorate. The deposing of Romulus Augustus, who was the last of his kind in the region that is now Western Europe, was one of the defining events of early medieval history. The next period is known as the high middle ages, and it is marked by the holy crusades, which saw Christian armies wrest control of Jerusalem from Muslim rule.
During the medieval period, the legalization of Christian religious practices led to the church’s widespread influence in many aspects of life. The previous era of Roman Empire rule was known for actively persecuting Christians, but this trend shifted dramatically during the early medieval period. Changes in religious belief systems from polytheistic to monotheistic centered large populations that were otherwise culturally and politically at odds. The Catholic church’s religious leaders were instrumental in making written materials such as the Bible available to the general public and encouraging higher literacy rates.
The late medieval period is defined as the time period between 1300 and 1500 CE. This period of the Middle Ages saw both social upheavals and technological advancements in weapons and agriculture. During the mid-1300s, a plague epidemic decimated Europe’s population by up to 60% in just two years, leading to social consequences such as the persecution of Jewish populations as scapegoats. Several wars and conquests shifted areas of political control during the late medieval period, as well.