EARLY MIDDLE AGES: 500-1000 CE After the fall of Western Roman Empire Small barbarian kingdoms rose up throughout Europe Beginnings of feudalism Charlemagne (Charles the Great) expands Frankish empire
HIGH MIDDLE AGES: 1000-1300 CE Christianity becomes dominating force Vikings from N. Europe raid and attack Europe Rise of knights & castles Crusades begin - Christians attack Muslim civilization in the the Middle East to “defend” their religion
LATE MIDDLE AGES: 1300-1500 CE Decline in feudalism Rise of nation-states ruled by royal families Hundred Years’ War – war over territory between France & Britain Bubonic plague (“Black Death”) kills 1/3 to 1/2 of European population