The medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages or the Dark Ages, was a significant era in European history that lasted from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and transitioned into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. The medieval period is the middle period of the three traditional divisions of Western history: classical antiquity, the medieval period, and the modern period.
The medieval period is often characterized by its cultural and technological developments, as well as its turbulent and transformative nature. Some key events and features of this era include:
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Crusades: Knights and kings attacked the Holy Lands of the Middle East in the name of God and with the blessing of the Christian Church during this volatile period, which is sometimes called the Golden Age of Chivalry.
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Class divisions: As knights and nobles fought for their own interests, the class divisions grew deeper, and the poor were further exploited to support the rich.
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Gothic architecture: The 13th century was the apex of medieval civilization, with the classic formulations of Gothic architecture and sculpture being achieved.
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Norman Rule: The overthrow of the Saxon kingdom of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066 transformed the country, its organization, governance, language, and customs.
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Religion: The Catholic Church, then the only Church in Western Europe, reached its zenith in power and influence during the Middle Ages.
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Warfare: The Norman Conquest introduced new instruments of war, such as the longbow and the castle, which played a significant role in shaping medieval warfare.
