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466
Clovis – (466-511)
The first King of the Franks, Clovis was responsible for uniting all the bordering Frankish areas under a single rule. He was the first ruler to merge the different groups of Franks and create a dominating new kingdom. In military, he managed to defeat the Visigoths at the Battle of Vouille, driving them out of central Gaul. Clovis was also accepted by the Gallo-Romans for making a genuine invasion. His actions set the territory for the Franks and would be a foundation for future Frankish kings. -
Oct 10, 732
Battle of Tours
Easily one of the most decisive battles in human history as it decided the end or continuation of Christianity. The battle showed outstanding skill in the use of infantry against an armed cavalry, a rare sight to see. The battle ended with the Christians gaining victory and was a high water mark of the Muslim Invasion of Western Europe. -
Jul 14, 742
Charlemagne
King of Franks and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne was responsible for the transition of the Frankish kingdom into an empire. He defended many Christian Kingdoms by protecting them from Islam; therefore acting as an early crusader. While at the peak of his ruling, Charlemagne further established the church into a magnificent figure and rectified corrupt text. He was responsible for the creation of the Holy Roman Empire and had the “Song of Roland” written towards him, despite it going throug -
Sep 21, 1054
East to West Schism
This disaster of the Church was a result of the decision to replace Eastern Bishops with Western ones. This irritated Eastern Christians to the point of retaliation, led by Michael Cerularius. This Schism ultimately caused the division of Greek and Latin churches, forcing them to be different churches under similar beliefs. -
Aug 14, 1066
Norman Conquest of England
The attack on England was a result of William the Conqueror after the English was victorious against King Harald III of Norway. Realizing that the English army had been deeply run down by the Battle of Stamford Bridge, William used this to his advantage and conquered most of England through conquests. These victories ultimately replaced the native ruling class with a French-speaking aristocracy and monarchy, thus ushering the new era of Norman England. -
Nov 24, 1088
University of Bologna founded
This university was the first in the medieval period to grant a degree. Known for its specialities of teaching in canon and civil law, the University of Bologna is a significant trail blaze in the education of medieval people. Up to this day, this university is known as the oldest operating university in the history of mankind. -
Nov 25, 1122
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine gave birth to the future kings and queens of Europe with her husband Henry II. Also known for turning into the court of Poitiers, she was the great patron of the courtly love tradition and expressed romantic songs of the troubadours. -
Mar 8, 1215
Magna Carta
Manga Carta was the first English charter forced upon the King by his subjects. Its sole purpose was to limit the King’s power in law and protect the subjects’ rights. Little did anyone know that this document led to the rule of constitutional law of the English-speaking world. It prevented corruption if corrupt order was in place since they were now severely bound by the law. -
Mar 10, 1254
Marco Polo – (1254-1324)
A famous literate Venetian explorer, Marco Polo voyaged through Central Asia and China through trading. When he travelled overland to China, he served under Kublai Khan, the Mongol Emperor. For 17 years he traded with the merchants of China and exchanged goods that had not yet been introduced to Europeans. When he sailed back home, Polo had met Rustichello, a famous writer. It was Rustichello who published Marco’s experience in China, which in turn, provided Europeans with the earliest informati -
Aug 16, 1337
Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)
Lasting about 116 years, this war between the English (Edward III) and the French (Phillip IV) would forever change medieval, and modern, societies. Fought on French soil, crucial victories would often determine the outcome of the war. By introducing the concept of “contract armies”, feudalism was declined and by the end of the war, the Renaissance had begun. Although the English were unsuccessful in conquering France, they strengthened the throne by employing economic and administrative measure -
Feb 3, 1398
Johann Gutenberg (1398-1468)
Johann Gutenberg was a German printer, publisher, and the first to introduce movable type printing, or modern book printing. His discovery set off the Printing Revolution and is considered as the most momentous event in modern times. His innovation was vital for knowledge-based economies, the Reformation and the Renaissance period. His practical system allowed for mass printing and was essential for printers and readers alike. -
Jan 6, 1412
Joan of Arc – (1412-1431)
Joan of Arc was a 16 year old, illiterate French peasant girl who believed that through visions of God, she was entitled to save France from the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Approved with power from Charles VII, she led an army of 4000 troops to battle, winning many crucial victories and providing a holy image to France. Not only was she a decisive factor of the Hundred Years’ War, but her constant spirit rallied her troops in the faith of God. Her actions pushed back the English consi -
Apr 11, 1453
Fall of Constantinople
The fall of Constantinople was a result of the siege by Sultan Mehmed II against the Roman Emperor Constantine XI. This incident ultimately brought the end of the Roman Empire’s ruling of 2,200 years. By causing a lasting effect on Christendom, the new settlements in Italy would later help the foundations of the Renaissance Period. -
Justinian
Justinian the Great sought to conquer the western half of the Roman Empire and restore it to its former glory. He was responsible for the creation of the Justinian Code: a reference for the law, construction of public baths, court houses, fortifications and especially, churches and hospitals. Another great accomplishment that modern time gives credit to Justinian was his decision in the construction of one the most beautiful churches in history: the Great Mosque. -
Viking Invasions
A grand capture made by Norse invaders to raid, trade, explore, and settle in wide regions of Europe. Commonly recognized by their long ships, they conquered large portions of Europe, especially England. Their invasions continued onto Germany, Spain, and France, allowing the suspension of Charlemagne’s advances. This, in turn, made possible the “Second Dark Ages.” -
Period: to Jan 2, 1468
Major Events during the Medieval Ages
