Middle age

Barbaric invasions

350

Barbaric tribes come into the Roman lands to steal and to find better places to live,Also the Anglo-Saxons, the Vandals, the Visogoths, and the Huns. Some keep moving to new areas. Some settle and make their conquered lands their home.

Rome falls

410

the roman empire divide in two parts ,the Western Roman Empire is still ruled by Rome In 410 the Visogoth king, Alaric, attacks Rome for three days. In 476 the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustus, is expelled of Rome by German invader Odoacer.

Eastern Roman Empire continues

412

Emperor Constantine made Constantinople his capital in 330. About 412, he do protective walls to keep the city safe from invaders. Justinianrules from 527- 565. He wants to reunite the western and eastern empires, but cannot do so.

Muslim invasions halted

Oct 6, 741

Along with barbarians from the north, Muslims begin to conquer lands from the south. Charles Martel, the Frank king, stops the Muslims' northward push in 732.

muslims conquer

Oct 6, 741

Along with barbarians from the north, Muslims begin to conquer lands from the south. Charles Martel, the Frank king, stops the Muslims' northward push in 732.

Charlemagne rules

Oct 6, 768

Charles Martel's grandson, Charlemagne, becomes the new Frank king. He want to divide Christianity. As he conquers land, he extends his faith. He is crowned "Emperor of the Romans" in 800 by Pope Leo III. Charlemagne dies in 814. The first castles are built around this time.

A divided kingdom.

Oct 6, 840

After Charlemagne's son dies, the kingdom is split into three. Raids into western Europe increase. In order to protect themselves, kingships are created.

Alfred the Great of England rules

Oct 6, 871

Alfred the Great defeats the Danes (Vikings) in 878. In 886 he captures London. He signs a treaty, splitting England between him and the Danes. As a ruler Alfred encourages education by establishing schools.

City states and feudal systems

Oct 6, 1000

Rome, Florence, Venice, and other Italians towns become city-states. The feudal system begins. Kings give sections of land called fiefs to lords in exchange for help during wars. The lords can give land to knights. The peasants work the land in exchange for food and protection.

First Crusade

Oct 14, 1096

Religious people go on pilgrimages to visit sacred Biblical sites. When the Seljuk Turks rule, they forbid visits to the Holy Land. The Pope calls for a crusade against the Seljuks. Eventually the crusaders take the city of Jerusalem. There will be nine crusades in all between now and1272.

Stained glass and gothic style

Oct 14, 1135

St. Denis Abbey in Paris is rebuilt in the Gothic style, the first church to use this design. The church also uses stained glass windows. By this time there are many Catholic monasteries in France. Some monks spend their days hand-copying holy books and drawing beautiful designs along the borders.

Magna Carta is signed.

Oct 14, 1215

Rebels oppose King John of England. But they have no ruler to take his place. Instead they have him sign a document, the Magna Carta, stating that there is no divine right of kings.

The Hundred Years War

Oct 14, 1337

Edward III of England declares war on France since he feels he should also be king of that country. The fighting continues off and on until about 1453.

The Black Death

Oct 14, 1347

A plague reaches the shores of Italy around 1347, believed to have been carried by merchant ships. Large black boils, oozing with blood and pus, are seen on the victims, who also have fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, and chills. The disease spreads quickly. About 1/3rd of the population dies.

Joan of Arc

Oct 14, 1429

Joan of Arc wins the Battle of Orleans for France during the Hundred Years War. She continues to fight, encouraging her troops in their war against the English, until she is captured. Falsely accused of being a witch, she is tried and then sentenced to death. She is burned at the stake.

The movable type

Oct 14, 1440

Johannes Gutenberg of Germany invents a printing press with movable type that can copy a page multiple times. There is no need to copy books by hand anymore. In 1455, the first printed Bible is made. The Middle Ages will be remembered as a time of transitions as old empires fell away, and new nations emerged, leading to a need for fresh ideas and innovations.