how long did the middle ages last for

The Middle Ages lasted for approximately 1,000 years, typically considered to span from around 500 AD to about 1500 AD. This period began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and ended with the onset of the Renaissance and Age of Discovery. The Middle Ages is traditionally divided into the Early, High, and Late Middle Ages, with some variation in the exact end date depending on regional perspectives—common dates marking the end include around 1450 to 1500 AD, incorporating events like the fall of Constantinople, Columbus's voyage in 1492, or the beginning of the Reformation in 1517.