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Period: 400 to
English Language Timeline
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450
Old English
Old English lasted from 450-1100 AD. Some common words during that time were: mugwump, grubbling, and rawgabbit. -
500
Introduction of Christianity
Christianity was introduced by the Romans during the Old English period. -
700
Earliest Manuscript of Old English
The Earliest Manuscript of Old English was written during this time period. -
701
Beowulf Writing (Old English)
The suspected date of Beowulf Writing is between 701-1100 AD. -
865
Scandinavian Influence
Vikings invaded England starting in 865 and had an influence during the Old English time period. -
1066
The Norman Invasion (Middle English)
The Norman Invasion occurred during 1066 during the time period of Middle English. -
1100
Middle English
Middle English existed between 1100-1500. It included the words, gilded, courtly and appraised. -
1314
Battle of Bannockburn
William Wallace led a rebellion that eventually led to his execution in 1305. -
1337
The Hundred Years War
The Hundred Years War began in 1337 during the Middle English period. -
1348
The Black Death
The Bubonic plague arrived in 1348 during the Middle English -
1392
Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (Middle English)
Canterbury Tales was written in Middle English during 1392. -
1440
The invention of the Printing Press (Middle English)
The printing press was invented in 1440 when Middle English was used. However, its invention led to the ushering in of Modern English. -
1492
The discovery of North America
North America was discovered in 1492 during the period of Middle English, when the continent was discovered a new period of language began to be born. -
1500
Modern English
Early Modern English was spoken between 1500-1800. It included words such as, apparel, because and brave. Late Modern English began in 1800 and is still continuing to present day. It brought forth many military derived words such as; ambush, siege, and camoflauge. -
1564
Shakespeare's Birth
Shakespeare was born in 1564 during Early English and influenced the time period significantly. -
British arrived in South Asia
The British arrived in South Asia during the Modern Time Period and helped bring new words to the English languages. -
Jamestown, Virginia
The first English colony was established in Jamestown, Virginia during 1607. -
Publication of Shakespeare's First Folio (Modern English)
Shakespeare's First Folio was published in 1623 and written in Early Modern English -
The American Revolution
The American Revolution began in 1765 and lied on the brink of early and late Modern English.