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1184
Waldensians are Declared Heretical
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1206
Genghis Khan Begins Mongol Empire
The Mongols were nomadic horsemen on the steppes (plains) of Central Asia. Once unified, there command of the horse and composite bow made them almost unstoppable conquerors in Asia and Eastern Europe.. -
1209
Franciscan Order Established
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1215
The Magna Carta Sealed by King John
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1216
Pope Recognizes Dominicans
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Period: 1237 to 1240
Mongols Invade the Rus
The Slavic/Viking Rus are defeated by the Mongols, splitting the Rus and creating a Golden Horde- a massive Mongol and Turkic population and army in Eastern Europe that threatens the Byzantine Empire and Western Europe. -
1240
Ghana Empire Replaced by Mali Empire in West Africa
These West African empires were among the richest in the world because of their control of vast amounts of gold. -
1258
Mongols Siege Baghdad
The Mongol siege of the Abbasid capital is seen as the end of the Golden Age of Islamic philosophy and science. From this point, Western Europe slowly assumes intellectual leadership from the Islamic World. -
Period: 1267 to 1337
Life of Giotto
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1270
Foundation of the medieval kingdom of Abyssinia
Ethiopia was one of the first areas to convert to Christianity. This medieval kingdom claimed descent from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. -
1271
The Mongol Yuan Dynasty, founded by Kublai Khan
This ends Medieval China which was known as a golden age of poetry, calligraphy, and Buddhism in China. -
1273
First Hapsburg Holy Roman Emperor Elected
Perhaps the most influential royal family in European History, the Hapsburgs would control Central Europe and the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. -
1274
Death of Aquinas
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1296
Edward I of England invades Scotland
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1298
Marco Polo's Account Published
Marco Pollo traveled from Venice to China where he served the Mongol court for almost 20 years. His account increased European interest in the wealth and culture of China. -
1299
The Ottoman Empire is founded
This Turkic Islamic Empire would come to control large sections if southern and central Europe. It would last until World War I. -
Period: 1304 to 1374
Life of Petrarch
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1307
Avignon Papacy Begins
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1310
Dante publishes Divine Comedy
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1333
The Kamakura Period Ends in Japan
This period saw Japan adopt a feudal structure with a military leader known as the shogun controlling the real power while the emperor had a ceremonial role. Clans of samurai were controlled by various noble families. -
1337
Hundred Years War Begins
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1346
Edward the Black Prince earns a major victory against France
Despite being outnumbered, the English use the longbow to defeat the French. -
1347
Black Death Begins in Europe
Within the first year, 20-40% of the population died. -
1368
Ming Dynasty overthrows Mongols in China
The Ming Dynasty was a high point in international trade along the Silk Road as well as exploration by sea and the construction of the current Great Wall. This dynasty lasted until 1644 -
Period: 1370 to 1405
Tamerlane Reestablishes the Mongol Empire
The Mongols, now Muslims, are unified into an Islamic Empire that extends from Eastern Europe to India. -
1374
Gerard Groote Experiences a Spiritual Conversion
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1378
Three Popes are elected
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1380
Prince of Moiscow defeats Mongiks
Moscow emerges as the new center of the Rus. -
1381
John Wycliffe Translates Bible into English
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1387
Brethren of Common Life Schools Begin
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1387
Chaucer Begins Canterbury Tales
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1399
Henry IV becomes First Lancaster King of England
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1415
Henry V Wins Battle of Agincourt
Henry V becomes heir to the throne of France. -
1417
Council of Constance Ends Papal Schism and Condemns Hus and Wycliffe
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1420
Donatello begins Bronze David
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Period: 1429 to 1431
Joan of Arc Turns Tide in Hundred Years War
Leading a siege of the city of Orleans, Joan secures the French throne for the French. She is executed two years later -
1431
Medici family rises in Florence
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1432
Jan van Eyck and Hubert van Eyck Complete Ghent Altarpiece i
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1436
Filippo Brunelleschi completes the dome of the cathedral of Florence.
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1439
Johannes Gutenberg "invents" the printing press.
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1453
Constantinople Falls to Ottomans ; Hundred Years War Ends
Byzantine Empire falls. English give up claims in France. -
Period: 1455 to 1495
Wars of the Roses
By the end, Henry Tudor becomes King of England. -
1477
Second Shogunate ends in Japan
Thus period is a high point of art and theatre. -
1484
Sandro Botticelli produces his painting the Birth of Venus.
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1492
Reconquista ends in Spain ; Columbus' First Voyage
Inspired partially by Constantinople's fall to Muslims, Columbus hopes to find a sea route to India to disrupt Muslim control of the trade between Asia and Europe. This would decrease Islamic wealth and perhaps fund a new Crusade if successful. -
1494
Spain and Portugal sign the Treaty of Tordesillas
Pope divides the New World. Spain gets North America/Caribbean , Portugal gets African coast and Brazil. -
1499
Vasco da Gama travels by Sea to India from Europe
Sailing for Portugal, de Gama rounds the Cape of Good Hope and secures a direct route to India, accomplishing Columbus' initial goal. -
1500
Michelangelo Finishes the Pieta.