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476
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
Rome had ruled much of Europe. Now much of that land would fall into confusion as local kings and rulers tried to grab power. This is the start of the era called the Middle Ages. -
481
Clovis Unites Most of the Frankish Tribes
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Period: 700 to 1100
Viking Age
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732
Battle of Tours
Charles Martel leads the Franks to victory over the Muslims, turning back Islam from Europe -
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835
Viking begin to invade northern Europe
Vikings from the Scandinavian lands (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) start their raids on Europe -
896
Alfred the Great, King of England, turns back the Viking raiders
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1066
The Bayeux Tapestry - 230 feet of storytelling
Museum
Completed some years later, the Bayeux Tapestry captures the story of the William of Normandy and his army's invasion of England. -
Oct 14, 1066
Battle of Hastings
This bloody, all-day battle was between the English and Norman invaders. -
1095
The Crusades Begin
Pope Urban II called on all Christians to attack the Muslims who ruled Jerusalem and recover the city and the rest of the Holy Land. He assured them that anyone who died fighting would go straight to heaven. And thus began the first Crusade. -
Period: 1095 to 1492
Crusades
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1122
Eleanor of Aquitaine born
Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) was one of the most powerful and influential figures of the Middle Ages. Inheriting a vast estate at the age of 15 made her the most sought-after bride of her generation. She would eventually become the queen of France, the queen of England and lead a crusade to the Holy Land. She is also credited with establishing and preserving many of the courtly rituals of chivalry. -
1136
King Arthur & Camelot Legends
The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth is published. These fantasy stories popularize the legend of King Arthur and Camelot -
1163
Construction begins for Notre Dame Cathedral
Take a tour
This church is the most famous gothic-style cathedral, located in Paris France. -
1189
Richard I, Richard the Lionheart, becomes King of England
He spent most of his adult life fighting in the Crusades -
1200
Ulrich von Lichtenstein born
This poet wrote about how knights and nobles could lead more virtuous lives -
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1219
Francis of Assisi travels to Egypt
(Saint) Francis travelled to Egypt to try and convert the Sultan to Christianity and thus end the Crusades -
1225
Philosopher and priest Thomas Aquinas born
“We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it.”
― St. Thomas Aquinas -
1271
Marco Polo leaves on his famous journey to explore Asia
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Oct 11, 1297
William Wallace & the Battle of Stirling Bridge
Wallace led the Scottish army in a decisive victory in the Scots larger fight for independence from England.
He was eventually captured and executed in London. -
1320
Dante completes his poem "The Divine Comedy"
“Through me you pass into the city of woe:
Through me you pass into eternal pain:
Through me among the people lost for aye.
Justice the founder of my fabric moved:
To rear me was the task of power divine,
Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.
Before me things create were none, save things
Eternal, and eternal I shall endure.
All hope abandon, ye who enter here.”
― Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy -
1337
The Hundred Years' War Begins
Okay, really it was 116 years of off and on fighting between France and England.
Fun facts:
On the way to the Battle of Crecy in 1346, French soldiers mooned the English archers.
The longbow revolutionized warfare. It could pierce armor and be reloaded quickly.
After the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, King Henry V threw a feast for his commanders, waited on by captured French knights. -
1347
The Black Death begins in Europe
This plague wiped out 1/3 of Europe's population in just four years. It didn't finally disappear from Europe until the 1700s. -
1370
The Legend of Robin Hood Appears
The heroic outlaw of English folklore makes his debut. Maid Marian, Prince John, the Merry Men & the Sheriff of Nottingham! -
1389
Chaucer begins writing The Canterbury Tales
“Youth may outrun the old, but not outwit.”
― Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales Geoffrey Chaucer's 24 stories called The Canterbury Tales are a famous satire. He uses the tales and descriptions of its characters to paint an ironic and critical portrait of English society at the time, and particularly of the Church -
1431
Joan of Arc executed at the age of 19
Joan of Arc led the French to victory over the English in the Battle of Orleans in 1429. She claimed to have heard the voices of Saints. -
1440
Gutenberg introduces his printing press; signaling the start of the Renaissance
