Introduction to the Middle Ages

BUT WAIT!! Before we dive in to the fun stuff, we need to explore when this time period began and where it got its names….

When people use the terms Medieval Times, Middle Ages, and Dark Ages they are generally referring to the same period of time between 500 - 1500 AD.

Middle Ages This term is fitting because this time period lies between ancient and modern times.

Medieval Times Medieval comes from the Latin term medium aevum, which means “middle age”

Dark Ages Historians once called the early middle ages the “Dark Ages” because they focused on the problems of the time: Lack of a central government Widespread disease (plague) Long religious wars Little access to education Lack of technological or cultural development

Two Middle Ages The Early Middle Ages: (500-1000AD) Most believe the time period starts with the Fall of Rome in 476AD The Later Middle Ages: (1000-1500AD) Most believe the period ends with Columbus landing in the Americas in 1492