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300
The Invasion of Barbarian Tribes
barbarian invasions or as the Völkerwanderung[1] ("migration of peoples" in German), was a period of intensified human migration in Europe from about 376 to 800 AD[2][3] during the transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages -
476
The Fall of the Western Roman Empire
n 476 C.E. Romulus, the last of the Roman emperors in the west, was overthrown by the Germanic leader Odoacer, who became the first Barbarian to rule in Rome. The order that the Roman Empire had brought to western Europe for 1000 years was no more. -
476
Fall of Rome
The fall of Rome marks the beginning of the Middle Ages. In 476 AD emperor, Romulus Augustulus, is deposed by the barbarian gneral Odoacer. This event marks the end of one period, and the beginning of another. -
476
Fall of Rome Economic Troubles
Economic factors are cited as a major cause of the Fall of Rome. Some of the major factors, like inflation, are discussed elsewhere. But there were also lesser problems with the economy of Rome that combined together to escalate financial stress. These include: Poor management,
The dole (bread and circuses), and
Hoarding. -
Dec 19, 741
Muslim Invasions Halted
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. -
Dec 16, 1099
The First Crusade
The First Crusade (1096–1099) started as a widespread pilgrimage (France and Germany) and ended as a military expedition by Roman Catholic Europe to regain the Holy Lands taken in the Muslim conquests of the Levant (632–661), ultimately resulting in the recapture of Jerusalem in 1099. -
Dec 19, 1135
Stained Glass and Gothic Style
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. -
Dec 19, 1215
Magna Carta is signed.
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. -
Dec 19, 1337
The Hundred Years War
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. -
Dec 16, 1350
The Black Death
The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people and peaking in Europe in the years 1346–53. -
Dec 16, 1418
The Great Schism
The Western Schism or Papal Schism was a split within the Catholic Church from 1378 to 1418. Several men simultaneously claimed to be the true pope. Driven by politics rather than any theological disagreement, the schism was ended by the Council of Constance (1414–1418). -
Dec 19, 1429
Joan of Arc
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. -
Dec 19, 1440
The movable type
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. -
Dec 9, 1500
The Renaissance Begins
The Renaissance period begins in Europe in the early 1500's. It marks the end of the Middle Ages. The Renaissance was a term coined by Petrarch which means a rebirth of classical Greek and Roman ideals. -
Treaty of Verdun
The Treaty of Verdun, signed in August 843, was the first of the treaties that divided the Carolingian Empire into three kingdoms among the three surviving sons of Louis the Pious, the son and successor of Charlemagne. -
Tetrarchy
The term "tetrarchy" describes any form of government where power is divided among four individuals, but in modern usage usually refers to the system instituted by Roman Emperor Diocletian in 293, marking the end of the Crisis of the Third Century and the recovery of the Roman Empire. -
Charlemagne Rules
Charles Martel's grandson, Charlemagne, becomes the new Frank king. He desires to spread 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
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
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.
