Middle Ages Timeline

476 AD - The Fall of Rome

The fall of the western Roman Empire throws western Europe into the "Dark Ages." Rome had fallen due to a number of factors, such as the rise of the Eastern Empire, political instability, and economic troubles.

476 AD

498 AD - Clovis Converts

The Frankish King Clovis converts to Christianity and forms an alliance with the Church. This provides many benefits, for example, uniting the Frank empire and the spread of Christianity.

498 AD

800 AD - King Charlemagne

Charlemagne is dubbed the Holy Roman Emperor and defender of the Catholic Church. As king, he restored the glory of the Roman Empire by encouraging education and unifying Roman traditions with the Germanic people and Christian religion.

800 AD

835 AD - Viking Invasion

Viking warriors from Scandinavia began raiding Europe. This swarm of attacks led to the creation of the feudal system, a form of protection for lower class people.

835 AD

1000 AD - Vikings Leave

The Vikings leave Europe as their raiding proves to be ineffective. When they leave, the people of Europe turn on each other after having no one else to defend themselves against.

1000 AD

1027 AD - Peace and Truce of God

Also known as the Code of Chivalry, it was introduced by the Church to stop lords and knights from fighting each other. It promoted loyalty, bravery, and charity, and knights were to take an oath to abide by it.

1027 AD

1095 AD - The Crusades

The Pope raises an army to help the Byzantine Empire in the fight against Muslims. The wars lasted for about 200 years, leading to consequences like a death toll of about 2.5 million, a massive financial burden, and further separation between the west and the east.

1095 AD

1215 AD - Magna Carta

Due to financial troubles, risk of civil war, and threats from the French Kingdom, King John signs the Magna Carta. This document limits the power of the Crown and lists the rights of the citizens.

1215 AD

1291 AD - Crusades End

The last of the crusaders are driven out of the Middle East and the Crusades end for good. They had lost control of the region, which led to the failure of the 200-year wars.

1291 AD

1315 AD - Great Famine

Constant rain had ruined crops and killed livestock, leading to the deaths of about 7 million people. Without sustainable food and failed harvests, people suffered from starvation and desperation with a rise in criminal activity.

1315 AD

1337 AD - Hundred Years War

War had risen between England and France over the French throne. After the English lost many territories in France, the French actually became a centralized state rather than a monarchy.

1337 AD

1347 AD - The Black Death

The bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, killed 1/3 of Europe's population, roughly 25 million people. It was called the Black Death because its symptoms were fever, nausea, large boils full of blood and pus, and the blackening of hands and feet.

1347 AD