Medieval Timelines

Anglo-Saxon Invasion

449

While this invasion was in 449, it actually was taken over many decades. This period changed the language and culture of many of England and Britain. It was a huge settlement that made many Germanic tribes create themselves as a confederation.

Beowulf Composed

750

Beowolf was composed into an epic poem in Old English.This acncient poem takes place in different parts of Scandinavia over the course of the 6th century. Also, many other of the poem's charachters appear in other Old English and Scandinavian sources. Th plot of this epic involves the main character, "Beowulf."He makes many heroic quests and lasting legacy as a revered warrior and king of Geatland.

Alfred the Great becomes king of Wessex.

871

Alfred prevented England from falling to the Danes and promoted learning and literacy. His reign lasted from 871-899. His attitude toward learning is what made him most exceptional. He shared many views and one of the biggest was that Viking raids were a divine punishment for the people’s sins, and he attributed these to the decline of learning. Also the fact that everyone should live in God’s will.

First Holy Wars began

1095

The crusades started in 1095 and was primarily supported by the roman catholic church. They were a series of religious wars in western Asia and Europe. These wars were bloody, violent and often ruthless because the christians were wanting for land in the Middle East. Middle East and Western European nations still enforce political and cultural views and opinions held today.
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Thomas a Becket was murdered

1171

Thomas is named a saint in the roman catholic church. He was martyred because knights didn't like the words he said. After further altercation, they cut him down with their swords. His last words were an acceptance of death in defense of the church of Christ

Magna Carta

1215

Even though it was not initially successful, the document was reissued in 1216, 1217 and 1225, and eventually served as the foundation for the English system of common law. The benefits of the charter were for centuries reserved for only the elite classes, while the majority of English citizens still lacked a voice in government.

England conquers Whales

1282

Also referred to the Edwardian Conquest of wales, it resulted in the defeat and annexation of the principality of wales and the other last remaining independent principalities by Edward I who was the King of England.

Bubonic Plague

1347

One of the most devastating pandemics in history. Resulted in 75 to 200 million deaths on people in Eurasia and Europe. It arrived in Europe in October when 12 ships from the black sea docked at the sicilian port of messina.

Chaucer starts "The Canterbury Tales"

1387

The Canterbury tales had 90 copies in existence from the 1400s. Chaucer's poem explains. the journey of a group of pilgrims, 31 including Chaucer himself that are from a unique inn. The host of the inn suggests each pilgrim tell two tales on the way out and two on the way home to help while away their time on the road. This explains what is in the story. The best storyteller is to be rewarded with a free supper on their return.

Joan of Arc is murdered

1431

Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy on May 30, 1431. She was declared guilty by Cauchon and was killed at age 19. They brought a cross to her and her last words were “Now keep it always in my sight until the end”.