Middle Ages

Middle Ages Major Events

Period: 500 to Nov 11, 1500

500-1500AD

early Middle Ages begin

Nov 12, 600

The early Middle Ages begin in 600 and last until 1050.

Persia is conquered by Byzantine forces.

Nov 12, 627

Persia is conquered by Byzantine forces. The Jerusalem cross is retrieved from the Persians, who stole the relic in 614. Heraclius reigns until his death in 641.

Arabs attempt to conquer Constantinople

Nov 12, 677

The Arabs attempt to conquer Constantinople but fail.

High Middle Ages

Nov 12, 1050

The period from 1050 to 1300 is generally considered the High Middle Ages. Western Europe rises as a great power with only China equaling it in political, economic and cultural flourishing. It also witnesses profound religious and intellectual change, including the organization of the papal monarchy.

William the Conqueror

Nov 12, 1066

William the Conqueror invades England and asserts his right to the English throne at the Battle of Hastings

1099 Capturing Jerusalem

Nov 12, 1099

The crusaders of the First Crusade capture Jerusalem, killing its Muslim inhabitants. The Crusaders divide their new territories into four principalities.

1215AD

Nov 11, 1215

The Magna Carta was signed by King John in 1215.King John was forced into signing the charter because it greatly reduced the power he held as the King of England and allowed for the formation of a powerful parliament. The Magna Carta became the basis for English citizen's rights.

1285 France Becomes Strong

Nov 12, 1285

France becomes the strongest power in Europe due to the administration of St. Louis' grandson, Philip IV. He attempts to gain full control over the French Church from Rome and begins the process of governmental centralization.

1300 Late Middle Ages begin

Nov 12, 1300

The Late Middle Ages begins here and ends around 1500. The beginning of the Late Middle Ages witnesses the invention of the magnetic compass, greatly aiding overseas expansion and enhancing trade between places such as Italy and the North.

One hundred year war 1337 to 1453

Nov 11, 1337

The Hundred Year's War was fought for territorial control within France and England.

The Black Dealth 1347-1351

Nov 12, 1347

It swept across the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, and Europe in the fourteenth century. Many people in this time beleived you got it from being cursed. However, it was spread by rats,and fleas.

1378 Great Schism

Nov 12, 1378

The second phase of the Church's institutional crisis is the Great Schism. The French papacy leaves Rome due to the uprising of Urban VI and his group of newly founded cardinals. The split of the two groups causes confusion in Europe. French territories recognize Clement VII as pope, and the rest of Europe recognizes Urban VI as pope. The schism survives the death of both popes. The Florentine Ciompi, wool-combers, witnessing a depressed industry, rise against the governmental system.

Black Dealth is benificial 1381

Nov 12, 1381

The presence of the Black Death in England works to the advantage of English peasants, causing a shortage of labor, a freeing of serfs, a rise in salary and a decrease in rent. The aristocratic class, however, passes legislation that lowers wages to the amount before the plague and that requires lower wages for laborers without land. The peasants rise against this oppression in what is called the English Peasants' Revolt when a national tax is levied for every individual in England. The peasants

Province of Burgangy breaks from france

Nov 12, 1419

The province of Burgundy breaks from France and allies with the English during the Hundred Years' War.

Italy is divided

Nov 11, 1454

Italy is divided into five major regions: Venice, Milan, Florence, the Papal States and the southern kingdom of Naples.1454

Charlemagne dies

Mar 2, 2022

Charlemagne dies without leaving competent successors to continue the glory of the Carolingian dynasty. His sole surviving son, Louis the Pious, divides his inheritance between his own three sons, who engage in civil war. Charlemagne's united realm is invaded by Scandinavian Vikings, Hungarians and Muslims during these civil wars. The Carolingian Empire falls apart.

Pope Gregory,

Mar 2, 2022

Pope Gregory, creates a religious policy for western Europe by fusing the Roman papacy with Benedictine monasticism. He creates the Latin church, which serves to counteract the subordination of the Roman popes to Eastern emperors. As the fourth great "church father,"He widens the gulf between the Eastern and Western Churches.