Middle Ages Timeline

Fall of Rome

476

The beginning of the Middle Ages started with the fall of the Roman Empire. As Rome had lost power of Western Europe it had caused lots of troubles for the land. These troubles included wars and waves of invaders. The towns had started to become empty which slowed trading as a result. The early Middle Ages is also referred to as "the dark ages" because of all the hardships of this time.

The Battle of Tours

Oct 10, 732

In around 622 Muslims began to create a new empire and civilization. Christian European kingdoms began to watch as Muslims armies were conquering Christian lands. These lands included from Palestine to North Africa and Spain. However a Muslim army had reached France and Charles Martel rallied Frankish armies. It was at the battle of Tours in 732 where Christian armies were beginning to feel hope in winning back their land and dignity.

The Reign of Charlemagne

768

In 768 Charles Martel's grandson, Charlemagne, became king of the Franks. He was also know as Charles the Great. His empire reached today's France, Germany, and part of Italy. He ruled for 46 years and spent the majority fighting Muslims. He loved to battle and conqueror which connected the old Roman empire to Europe.

The Age of the Vikings

793

Vikings were infamous for being the most destructive raiders. In their homeland they were independent farmers. However when they left they broke the unity of Charlemagne's empire. The Vikings started wreaking havoc in Scandinavia. This is where they looted and burned communities that were on the coast of Europe to Ireland to Russia. The Vikings however were very good at trading as well.

Start of Feudalism

1200

Feudalism varied from place to place. Overall it was the base for the economic and political system and government that took place during the Middle Ages. In Medieval times there were mutual obligations one of these obligations being an exchange of land for royalty. The relationship between Lord and vassal involved a pledge called the feudal contract. It was under this system that where the lord gave his vassal land.

Golden Horde Conquers Russia

1241

In the 1200s a young leader had united the nomadic Mongols to Central Asia. His men overran lands from China to eastern Europe. The young leader took the title Genghis Khan or "World Emperor." The grandson of Genghis led the Mongol armies to Russia. The army was known as the Golden Horde because of their tent color. The Golden Horde had looted and burned Russian towns. Many Russian inhabitants were killed.

Total Years of the Crusades

1291

In 1050 Western Europe were finally strong enough since the fall of Rome. It was in 1096 where many of Europeans had started taking part in the Crusades. The Crusades was a war between the Christians and Muslims where they battled for control of Middle Eastern land. Jerusalem was freed during the First Crusade. In 1291 Arab counterattacked and they reconquered the last European outpost.

The Black Death

1351

In 1347 a trading ship from Genoese left the Black Sea Port and set sail towards Messina, Sicily. Halfway through the ship the sailors onboard began to fall ill and dying. When the ship had reached Messina the townspeople followed the same fate. This disease was the Black Death. The Black Death quickly spread and created a Global Pandemic. The cause of this bubonic plague were fleas that were attached to rats that were onboard of the ship.

Joan of Arc Leading the French

1429

Joan of Arc was a 17 year old peasant woman in the year 1429. She told the uncrowned king of France that she was sent by God to save France. She convinced him to allow her to lead his armies. Joan was able to motivate the armies and led them to victory. Joan however was captured and tried for witchcraft. She was then burned at the stake but although dying her value to France was strengthened. The church declared her a saint.

100 Year War

1453

In the years 1337 and 1453 England and France engaged in conflict known as the Hundred Year's War. The English had intended on keeping control of French land they conquered. This was against France's wishes. Once Edward III had claimed the French crown in 1337 this triggered the war. At first the English had many victories. In the end however the roles had reversed and in what seemed like a miracle France had won.