Most important dates of the Middle Ages

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire

476

Beginning of the Middle Ages in Western Europe.

The Rise of Islam

632

After the death of Muhammed, Islam quickly spread through Europe. It became one of the most common religions.

Coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor

800

Charlemagne united of Western Europe and he was the father of both the French and the German Monarchies. This event led to a cultural and intellectual renaissance.

Norman Conquest of England

1066

William of Normandy, a French Duke, conquered England in the Battle of Hastings. He became King of England. The Norman Conquest had an impact on English language, culture and governance, and brought significant changes to the social and political structure.

The First Crusade

1096

The Crusades were wars between the Holy Roman Empire and Muslims over the Holy Land. It was the first of many Crusades over the next 200 years. It ended in 1099.

Signing of the Magna Carta

1215

King John of England signed the Magna Carta. It gave people some rights and the king was not above the law.

The Hundred Years' War

1337

It was a long struggle between England and France over succession to the French throne. The war starts off with several stunning successes on Britain's part, and the English forces dominate France for decades. It ended in 1453.

The Black Death

1347

The Black Death began in Europe. This disease killed around half of the people in Europe. It ended in 1351.

The Printing Press invention

1444

German inventor, Johannes Gutenberg, invented the printing press. This signaled the start of the Renaissance.

Ottomans capture Constantinople

1453

Sultan Mehmed II conquered the capital of the Byzantine Empire, establishing the Ottomans as a major international power for the next several centuries and the end of the Eastern Roman Empire.