The Middle Ages are a time period in European history. It was a long period of history from 500 AD to 1500 AD. The Middle Ages covers the time from the fall of the Roman Empire to the rise of the Ottoman Empire. The ‘Middle Ages’ are called this because it is the time between the fall of Imperial Rome and the beginning of Early Modern Europe. This period is also known as the Medieval Age, the Dark Ages, or the Age of Faith (because of the rise of Christianity and Islam). When used narrowly, the term “Dark Ages” refer only to a very early period, from 476 to 800 (when Charlemagne became king).
This was a time of castles and peasants, guilds and monasteries cathedrals and crusades. Great leaders such as Joan of Arc and Charlemagne were part of the Middle Ages as well as major events such as the Black Plague and the rise of Islam.
When people use the terms Medieval Times, Middle Ages, and Dark Ages they are generally referring to the same period of time. The Dark Ages is usually referring to the first half of the Middle Ages from 500 to 1000 AD.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, a lot of the Roman culture and knowledge was lost. This included art, technology, engineering, and history. Historians know a lot about Europe during the Roman Empire because the Romans kept excellent records of all that happened. However, the time after the Romans is “dark” to historians because there were no central government recording events. This is why historians call this time the Dark Ages.
Although the term Middle Ages covers the years between 500 and 1500 throughout the world, this timeline is based on events specifically in Europe during that time.
Apprentice – A boy who worked for a guild master in order to learn a trade or craft.
Baron – A ruler below the king in the feudal system, the baron ruled an area of land called a fief. He would pledge his loyalty to the king in return for the land.
Bishop – A leader in the church, the bishop was often the top church leader in a kingdom.
Byzantine Empire – The eastern half of the Roman Empire that was one of the strongest European empires during the Middle Ages. The capital city was Constantinople.
Black Death – A deadly disease that spread through much of Europe during the Middle Ages. It is estimated that it killed at least one-third of all the people in Europe.
Castle – A defensive fortification where a lord or king would live. The local people would flee to the castle if they were attacked.
Charlemagne – King of the Franks and the first Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne united much of western Europe during his reign.
Chivalry – The code by which knights pledged to live. It involved honor, being courageous, and protecting the weak.
Coat of arms – A symbol used by knights on their shield, banner, and armor. It helped to distinguish one knight from another.
Crusades – Religious wars between the Christian and Muslims for control of the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem.
Feudal System – A system of government where the king allotted land to his lords and barons. The lords and barons would then pledge their loyalty to the king and promise to protect his rule.
Fief – An area of land given to a lord or baron by a king to rule.
Franks – Germanic tribes who settled in the land that is today France.
Guild – An association of craftsmen that focused on a specific trade or craft such as making shoes or weaving cloth.
Journeyman – A position in a guild above the apprentice, a journeyman worked for a master craftsman and earned a wage.
Keep – A large tower within a castle that was considered the last line of defense.
Kievan Rus – An empire founded by Vikings in the city of Kiev. It was the forerunner of Russia.
King – The top ruler in a monarchy.
Knight – A warrior who rode a horse and wore heavy metal armor. Knights were rewarded with land and were required to protect the king when needed.
Magna Carta – A document forced upon King John of England by his barons. It said that the King was not above the law and that the people had the right to a fair trial.
Manor – The center of life during the Middle Ages, the manor was the local lord’s house or castle.
Moat – A ditch around a castle filled with water.
Monastery – A religious area or group of buildings where monks lived. Monasteries were isolated from the rest of the world so the monks could focus on worshipping God. Also called an Abby.
Master – The highest point in a guild, a master could own a shop and hire journeymen and apprentices.
Page – A young boy that acts as a servant for a knight while training to become a knight someday.
Reconquista – The wars where the Christian nations took back control of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) from the Muslim Moors.
Serf – A peasant who worked the land for the local lord. The serf had few rights and was little better than a slave.
Squire – A knight in training, the squire would take care of the knight’s armor and weapons. He would also accompany the knight into battle.
Vassal – Someone who pledges their allegiance to a lord.
Vikings - People who came from Scandinavia in Northern Europe. The Vikings raided many countries in Northern Europe during the Viking Age (800-1066).
