The History of the English Language

  • Period: 450 to 1100

    Old English

    Sample words: Grubbling, mugwump, vomitorium.
  • 600

    Introduction of Christianity

    Introduction of Christianity
    During the Old English period, The Romans introduce Christianity which had a major influence in the English Language.
  • 750

    The Poem Beowulf

    The Poem Beowulf
    Beowulf was believed to have been written between 700-750. This poem is written in Old English.
  • Period: 1000 to 1500

    Middle English

    Sample words: Din, burnish, gilded.
  • 1066

    The Norman Invasion

    The Norman Invasion
    The Norman Invasion took place in 1066 when William the Conqueror invaded England. This caused the development of Middle English.
  • 1215

    Signing of Magna Carta

    Signing of Magna Carta
    John I signs the Magna Carta limiting his royal authority during the Middle English period.
  • 1400

    Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

    Chaucer's Canterbury Tales
    Middle English was the language used by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1340-1400 to create Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
  • Period: 1435 to

    Modern English

    Sample words: thou, hadst, hath.
  • 1440

    The Printing Press

    The Printing Press
    The Printing Press was invented around 1440 by a German man named Johannes Gutenberg. This was around the time of Early Modern English.
  • The Discovery of North America

    The Discovery of North America
    The English discovered and colonized in North America around 1600. This changed the English language even further.
  • The Publication of Shakespeare's first Folio

    The Publication of Shakespeare's first Folio
    The publication date of Shakespeare's first Folio is 1623. This is written in Early Modern English.
  • The American Revolution

    The American Revolution
    The American Revolution happened between 1765- 1783.
  • Declaration of Independence

    Declaration of Independence
    The Declaration of Independence separated the United States from Great Britain in 1776 during the Modern English period.