Middle Ages

Invention of the Wheelbarrow

200

The wheelbarrow was invented in China around the second century. In China, the inventor of the wheelbarrow is commonly believed to have been Zhuge Liang, the prime minister in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). There is no evidence supporting this belief. There are also some brick carvings leading to the belief that the wheelbarrow was invented during the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD).

Start of the Middle Ages

500

The middle ages, also known as the dark ages, took place between the fall of Rome and the beginning of the Renaissance. During this time, the Catholic Church rose to power and became the most powerful institution of that time. Another major event was the outbreak of the bubonic plague, or black death. This outbreak was so bad that it killed 1/3 of the population. The middle ages were a time of change for Europe and much of the world.

The Rise of Charlamagne

Jan 1, 768

Charlamayne, also known as Karl and Charles the Great, ruled western Europe from 768-814. Charlamayne had many accomplishments, such as becoming king of the Franks in 771 and emperor of the Romans in 800. Another thing Charlamagne did was encourage the Carolingian Empire, which was a revival of culture and intellect. Charlamagne also ensured Christianity's surivival in the West. Today Charlamagne is referred to as the father of Europe.

The Legacy After Charlamagne's Death

Dec 1, 814

Charlamagne's legacy lived on with the Carolingian Empire. After his death, the empire was divided between his three sons. This empire was the realm of the Franks. The Franks were a group of Germanic tribes.

High Middle Ages

Jan 1, 1000

During this time, the church became extremely powerful and unifying. Also, during this time the feudal system lost some of its power as rising towns would not always follow this system. This is the time when the crusades occured, showing militant importance.

The Great Schism

Jan 1, 1054

The Great Schism was the split between the Western Cathlocism and Eastern Orthodoxy. One of the main reasons for the split were disputes over jurisdiction. Both sides wanted control, so it worked best that the two split.

The First Crusade

Aug 15, 1096

The goal of the first crusade was to capture Jerusalem back from Muslim control. Pope Urban II pleaed for Christians in the West to go to war with Muslim forces. In the attempt to take back Jerusalem, the crusaders slaughtered many people, but were successful in taking back the holy city.

Henry II

Mar 4, 1133

King Henry II was born on March 4, 1133 at Le Mans, France. He ascended to the throne on October 25, 1154. He was the first Plantagenet King of England. He reigned from 1154-1189. He died at Chinon castle in Anjou, France. One of the major things he did was dividing England into six countries. He was also the first of the Plantagenet family to rule.

Second Crusade

Jan 1, 1147

After achieving the goal from the first crusade in a short time, forces for the Crusaders began to return home. Until 1130, the Crusaders had strong control of their gained territory. By 1144, the northmost Crusader territory, Edessa, had been recaptured by the Seljuk general Zangi. The Second Crusade began in 1147 and was a huge defeat of the Crusaders by the Muslim forces.

Third Crusade

Jan 1, 1189

In 1187, Saladin, a leader against the Christian Crusaders, began a campaign against the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. Saladin's troops took a large amount of territory at the battle of Hattin. This defeat led to the Third Crusade. In the Third Crusade, the Crusaders gained back much of the lost territory but would not take back Jerusalem for fear of more conflict. To end this crusade, a treaty for peace was signed between Saladin and the Crusaders, reestablishing the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

King John and the Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

King John was a horrible king of England. He would make promises and break them as soon as he saw some benefit to himself. King John didn't even care for the church. When he raised the taxes, the nobles became angry. Two refused to pay them, but the king arrested them. After this happened, the nobles created a list of rights called the Magna Carta. It stated that if the king violated it, they could do what they wished with him. King John did not want to sign this, but he knew he had to.

Late Middle Ages

Jan 1, 1300

The late middle ages were from 1300-1500. This time can be known as the beginning of the Renaissance. This time was nowhere near as successful or changing as the high middle ages. During this time, the plague, or black death, stuck killing 1/3 of the world's population. There were also issues such as famine and wars over control of countries. However, this time wasn't all bad since it led into new thinking and a turning point in European history known as the Renaissance.

Joan of Arc and Orleans

May 8, 1429

Joan of Arc, a 13 year old French peasant, believed to have heard messages from God. She had visions and heard voices telling her to help France and it's people. During the Hundred Year War, England took control of French territory. Joan of Arc led the French peasants in a seige of Orleans, a territory in France. She led the French on their way to victory in the war by helping gain back territory and strength.

Invention of the Printing Press

Jan 1, 1440

It is believed that Johannes Gutensberg is the inventor of the printing press. While he did not invent the process of printing, he invented the printing press itself. His new technological invention enabled mass production of books and the spread of knowledge throughout Europe.