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476
The Fall of the Western Roman Empire
• Marked the end of ancient Rome and the start of the Middle Ages.
• Signified the breakdown of centralized government and the rise of barbarian kingdoms.
• Led Europe into breaking into smaller kingdoms and tribes. -
Period: 793 to 1066
The Viking Invasions
• Vikings' raids on monasteries and towns impacted European stability and led to the formation of new kingdoms.
• Introduced new trade routes, leading to cultural exchanges between East and West.
• Changed the political landscape of Britain, Ireland, and Scandinavia. -
800
The Rise of Charlemagne
• Charlemagne's crowning as Holy Roman
Emperor marked a rebirth of the Western Roman Empire.
• His empire unified much of Europe, fostering education, culture, and the spread of Christianity.
• Established the Carolingian
Renaissance, a revival of art, culture, and learning. -
1054
The Great Schism
• The split between the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church shaped religious and political boundaries.
• Led to the development of theological and cultural traditions in the East and West.
• Created long-lasting religious divisions that influenced politics in Europe and the Mediterranean. -
1066
The Battle of Hastings
• Led to the Norman Conquest of England, changing its culture, language, and governance.
• Established feudalism in England, which had a lasting influence on European society.
• Marked a major shift in the balance of power in medieval Europe. -
Period: 1096 to 1291
The Crusades
• The Crusades were religious wars between Christians and Muslims over control of Jerusalem.
• They led to cultural exchange, the spread of new ideas, and the opening of trade routes.
• Had lasting impacts on Christian and Islamic relations and helped shape the Middle Ages' political and religious landscape. -
1215
The Magna Carta
• The Magna Carta is considered a foundation of modern democracy and constitutional law.
• It limited the power of the monarchy and laid the groundwork for the development of parliamentary systems.
• Promoted the idea that the king was subject to law, rather than above it. -
Period: 1337 to 1453
The Hundred Years' War
• A conflict between England and France that shaped the future of both nations.
• It led to significant changes in warfare, including the rise of longbowmen and the decline of knightly dominance.
• Strengthened French national identity -
Period: 1347 to 1351
The Black Death
• The Black Death wiped out an estimated one-third of Europe's population.
• It led to massive social and economic changes, including labor shortages and the decline of feudalism.
• Sparked religious and philosophical questions about life, death, and the nature of suffering. -
1440
The Invention of the Printing Press
• The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the spread of information.
• It made books cheaper and more accessible, leading to greater literacy and the spread of knowledge.
• Played a key role in the Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation.