Middle Ages

The Middle Ages extended from approximately 500 to 1500 AD, from the collapse of the Roman Empire to The Renaissance. The term "medieval" refers to things made, written, or thought during the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages was a period of enormous historical, social, and linguistic change.

This Middle Ages are 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." The lack of accurate recorded history about the period led to them being characterized as "dark." 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.

The High Middle Ages extended from 1000-1300 AD and was characterized by social and political change, fueled by rapid population growth and extensive 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.

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 Christopher Columbus' voyage in search of a new route to India and the Far East.

• YouTube: Middle Ages Tech Support (Time: 2:25)