Late Middle Ages and Renaissance World 1200-1500

Waldensians are Declared Heretical

1184

Genghis Khan Begins Mongol Empire

1206

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..

Franciscan Order Established

1209

The Magna Carta Sealed by King John

1215

Pope Recognizes Dominicans

1216

Mongols Invade the Rus

Period: 1237 to 1240

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.

Ghana Empire Replaced by Mali Empire in West Africa

1240

These West African empires were among the richest in the world because of their control of vast amounts of gold.

Mongols Siege Baghdad

1258

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.

Life of Giotto

Period: 1267 to 1337

Foundation of the medieval kingdom of Abyssinia

1270

Ethiopia was one of the first areas to convert to Christianity. This medieval kingdom claimed descent from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

The Mongol Yuan Dynasty, founded by Kublai Khan

1271

This ends Medieval China which was known as a golden age of poetry, calligraphy, and Buddhism in China.

First Hapsburg Holy Roman Emperor Elected

1273

Perhaps the most influential royal family in European History, the Hapsburgs would control Central Europe and the Holy Roman Empire for centuries.

Death of Aquinas

1274

Edward I of England invades Scotland

1296

Marco Polo's Account Published

1298

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.

The Ottoman Empire is founded

1299

This Turkic Islamic Empire would come to control large sections if southern and central Europe. It would last until World War I.

Life of Petrarch

Period: 1304 to 1374

Avignon Papacy Begins

1307

Dante publishes Divine Comedy

1310

The Kamakura Period Ends in Japan

1333

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.

Hundred Years War Begins

1337

Edward the Black Prince earns a major victory against France

1346

Despite being outnumbered, the English use the longbow to defeat the French.

Black Death Begins in Europe

1347

Within the first year, 20-40% of the population died.

Ming Dynasty overthrows Mongols in China

1368

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

Tamerlane Reestablishes the Mongol Empire

Period: 1370 to 1405

The Mongols, now Muslims, are unified into an Islamic Empire that extends from Eastern Europe to India.

Gerard Groote Experiences a Spiritual Conversion

1374

Three Popes are elected

1378

Prince of Moiscow defeats Mongiks

1380

Moscow emerges as the new center of the Rus.

John Wycliffe Translates Bible into English

1381

Brethren of Common Life Schools Begin

1387

Chaucer Begins Canterbury Tales

1387

Henry IV becomes First Lancaster King of England

1399

Henry V Wins Battle of Agincourt

1415

Henry V becomes heir to the throne of France.

Council of Constance Ends Papal Schism and Condemns Hus and Wycliffe

1417

Donatello begins Bronze David

1420

Joan of Arc Turns Tide in Hundred Years War

Period: 1429 to 1431

Leading a siege of the city of Orleans, Joan secures the French throne for the French. She is executed two years later

Medici family rises in Florence

1431

Jan van Eyck and Hubert van Eyck Complete Ghent Altarpiece i

1432

Filippo Brunelleschi completes the dome of the cathedral of Florence.

1436

Johannes Gutenberg "invents" the printing press.

1439

Constantinople Falls to Ottomans ; Hundred Years War Ends

1453

Byzantine Empire falls. English give up claims in France.

Wars of the Roses

Period: 1455 to 1495

By the end, Henry Tudor becomes King of England.

Second Shogunate ends in Japan

1477

Thus period is a high point of art and theatre.

Sandro Botticelli produces his painting the Birth of Venus.

1484

Reconquista ends in Spain ; Columbus' First Voyage

1492

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.

Spain and Portugal sign the Treaty of Tordesillas

1494

Pope divides the New World. Spain gets North America/Caribbean , Portugal gets African coast and Brazil.

Vasco da Gama travels by Sea to India from Europe

1499

Sailing for Portugal, de Gama rounds the Cape of Good Hope and secures a direct route to India, accomplishing Columbus' initial goal.

Michelangelo Finishes the Pieta.

1500