10 most significant dates of the Middle Ages

Fall of the Roman Empire and beginning of the Dark Ages

476

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD marked the end of ancient times and the beginning of the Dark Ages. The collapse was due to political and economic instability, invasions by Barbarian tribes, and weak leadership. This era was marked by chaos, violence, and technological regression. It was a transition period between the ancient world and the medieval era.

Battle of Tours between Franks and Moors

732

The Battle of Tours took place in 732 AD between Frankish forces led by Charles Martel and invading Muslim Moors. The battle was fought near Tours in present-day France and resulted in a decisive Frankish victory. The victory halted the Moors' advance into Europe, solidified Frankish power, and became a key moment in European history.

Charlemagne is crowned the Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III

800

In the year 800, Charlemagne, King of the Franks, was crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III. This event marked the establishment of a new political and religious order in Europe, with Charlemagne asserting his authority over a vast territory and Pope Leo III conferring divine legitimacy on his rule.

Battle of Hastings and Norman Conquest of England

1066

The Battle of Hastings occurred in 1066 when the Norman-French army led by William, Duke of Normandy, invaded and defeated the Anglo-Saxon army led by King Harold Godwinson. This marked the beginning of the Norman Conquest of England, which saw the Normans establish themselves as the ruling class and bring significant changes to English society.

Pope Urban II calls for the First Crusade in relation to the holy city of Jerusalem

1095

In 1095, Pope Urban II called for the First Crusade, urging Christian knights to liberate the holy city of Jerusalem from Muslim control. This call to arms sparked a wave of religious fervor throughout Europe, leading thousands to embark on a perilous journey to the Holy Land.

The signing of Magna Carta, limiting the power of the monarch in England

1215

The signing of Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter, in 1215 was a significant event in English history. The document was signed by King John in response to pressure from barons and other nobles, and it established the principle that even the monarch was subject to the law. This limited the power of the monarch and paved the way for greater civil liberties and democratic governance in England.

The Black Death ravages Europe and kills one-third of the population

1348

In the 14th century, the Black Death, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, swept through Europe and killed up to one-third of the population. The disease spread quickly through fleas on rats, causing devastating symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and blackened skin lesions. The pandemic had a profound impact on European society and the economy.

Battle of Agincourt between England and France

1415

The Battle of Agincourt was fought on October 25th, 1415 between the English army, led by King Henry V, and the French army, led by Constable Charles d'Albret. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the English won a decisive victory, largely thanks to their use of longbows and the muddy terrain that slowed the French cavalry charge.

Constantinople falls to the Ottoman Turks, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire

1453

In 1453, the Ottoman Turks led by Mehmet II conquered Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The fall of Constantinople marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, which had survived for over a thousand years. The city was renamed Istanbul and became the new capital of the Ottoman Empire.

Columbus’s voyage marks the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance.

1492

Columbus's historic voyage in 1492 to the Americas marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance. This event sparked a new era of exploration, scientific discovery, and cultural exchange, leading to a significant shift in the way people viewed the world and their place in it.