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476
The fall of the Roman Empire
Rome had ruled much of Europe. Now much of the land would fall into confusion as local kings and rulers tried to grab power. This is the start of the Dark Ages or the Middle Ages. -
481
Clovis becomes king
Clovis becomes King of the Franks. Clovis united most of the Frankish tribes that were part of Roman Province of Gaul. -
570
Muhammad, prophet of Islam is born.
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Jan 1, 732
The Franks defeat the Muslims
Battle of Tours. The Franks defeat the Muslims turning back Islam from Europe. -
Jan 1, 800
Charlemagne, is crowned emperor
Charlemagne, King of the Franks, is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Charlemagne united much of Western Europe and is considered the father of both the French and the German Monarchies. -
Jan 1, 832
Vikings invade Europe
Vikings from the Scandinavian lands (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) begin to invade northern Europe. They would continue until 1042. -
Jan 1, 896
Alfred the Great, King of England, turns back the Viking invaders
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Jan 1, 1066
- William of Normandy, a French Duke, conquers England in the Battle of Hastings. He became King of England and changed the country forever.
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Jan 1, 1096
Start of the First Crusade. The Crusades were wars between the Holy Roman Empire and the Muslims over the Holy Land. There would be several Crusades over the next 200 years.
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Jan 1, 1189
Richard I, Richard the Lionheart, becomes King of England.
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Jan 1, 1206
The Mongol Empire is founded by Genghis Khan.
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Jan 1, 1215
King John of England signs the Magna Carta. This document gave the people some rights and said the king was not above the law.
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Jan 1, 1271
Marco Polo leaves on his famous journey to explore Asia