The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, roughly spanned from about 500 AD to 1500 AD. This era began after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and lasted until the beginning of the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery in the late 15th century. More specifically:
- The Early Middle Ages lasted from approximately 500 to 1000 AD, a time marked by agricultural developments, population growth, and the formation of early kingdoms.
- The High Middle Ages followed, experiencing economic expansion, urban growth, and significant cultural and intellectual achievements.
- The Late Middle Ages extended to around 1400-1500, a period marked by difficulties such as famine, plague (including the Black Death), and social upheaval, eventually leading to the end of the medieval era.
There is some variation in the exact end date depending on the region and historical context, with dates like the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Columbus's voyage in 1492, or the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 often cited as endpoints. Thus, the Middle Ages broadly cover the millennium between the fall of Rome (~500) and the dawn of the Renaissance (~1500).
