The “Middle Ages” of Europe 400 AD – 1500 AD Learning Target: I can describe the events following the Fall of Rome in Europe. I can define the terms “Middle Ages” or “Medieval Period” and describe why some historians refer to this period as the Dark Ages.

To what does “Middle Ages” refer? When the Roman Empire collapsed, Europe lost its center of power and a new period of history began. That period, called the Middle Ages, is the period between ancient and modern times. Sometimes, this period is also called the Medieval Times. Medieval comes from the Latin for “middle age”.

Two Middle Ages Historians split the time period. The Early Middle Ages 400 – 1000 AD Most believe the time period starts with the Fall of Rome (476 AD) The Later Middle Ages 1000 – 1500 AD Most believe the period ends with Columbus landing in the Americas (1492 AD)

Why was this time period once called the “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

Key Developments/Events of the Middle Ages Spread and Growth of Christianity Reign of Famous Kings and Start of New Empires Development of Feudalism New Economic System = Manor System The Crusades Growth of Democratic Thought The Black Death