Top 10 Events of the Middle Ages

By Ari.P
  • Fall of the Western Roman Empire
    476

    Fall of the Western Roman Empire

    Rome ruled over majority of Europe. But, as time went on, the city began to decline. There are many reasons as to why it declined, but the major reasons are:
    - The leaders of Rome became more and more corrupt
    - The Roman empire became so large, it was difficult to control
    - There were many civil wars inside the city
  • Norman Conquest
    1066

    Norman Conquest

    After the death of Kind Edward, Earl Harold of Godwinson was crowned King (King Harold II). But, after The Battle of Stamford occurred, the Battle of Hastings (the Norman Conquest) began not long after. William of Normandy and King Harold II battled with their troops for the whole day, until King Harold II was killed. William then continued to fight more battles until England stopped resisting, and he was finally crowned King (and earned the name William the Conqueror).
  • Completion of Domesday Book
    1085

    Completion of Domesday Book

    The Domesday Book (pronounced 'doomsday') was a survey created under the demand of William the Conqueror. The true intention of the Domesday book is unknown, but the most likely reason is that to keep record of people's income, and which people owned what land. This would be used to determine future taxes.
  • The First Crusade
    1095

    The First Crusade

    The purpose of the Crusades was that the European forces could attain power over, and capture Jerusalem. The goal was for Christianity to take over, because the Christians believed that only their religion/God should be worshipped. The First Crusade marks the start of the multiple battles that were yet to come.
  • The Third Crusade
    1189

    The Third Crusade

    The Third Crusade was significant because after loosing many troops in previous battles, Kind Richard the Lionheart negotiated peace, by winning the rights for pilgrims to be able to visit Jerusalem.
  • The Magna Carta is Signed
    1215

    The Magna Carta is Signed

    The Magna Carta is the first written document that stated that the King was not above the law. Which means that no King can use his power to abuse the rules.
  • Start of the Hundred Years War
    1337

    Start of the Hundred Years War

    The Hundred Years War was a continuing battle between England and France, lasting 116 years. The conflict was created due to the succession to the French throne (the next monarch in line).
  • Start of the Black Death
    1346

    Start of the Black Death

    A ship sailed from Asia and docked in Italy. On board this ship were rats infected with fleas that were carrying the disease - the Bubonic Plague. This later spread to kill tens of millions of people.
  • Peasants' Revolt
    1381

    Peasants' Revolt

    The Peasants' Revolt was a protest/rebellion against the King of England. They were fighting for more rights and changes in the social hierarchy. This resulted in (basically) removing the Feudal System.
  • Execution of Joan of Arc
    1431

    Execution of Joan of Arc

    Joan of Arc was a young woman who "received visions from God" and knew she had to battle for and save France during the Hundred Years War. Without her help, France would not have attained victory. But after all the battling, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy (believing against religion).