Middle Ages Timeline

(5th - 15th century AD)

The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, spanned from the 5th to the 15th century AD. Explore the significant events and historical highlights of this era. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Political and Military

Reconquista of Spain

711 - 1492

Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula gradually reconquered territories from Muslim rule, culminating in the fall of Granada and the completion of the Reconquista.

Image source: Reconquista

Battle of Tours

Oct 10, 732

Frankish forces, led by Charles Martel, defeated an invading Muslim army near Tours, halting the Muslim advance into Europe and preserving Christianity in the West.

Image source: Battle of Tours

Charlemagne's Coronation as Holy Roman Emperor

Dec 25, 800

Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III. This event marked the revival of the idea of a unified Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Carolingian Renaissance.

Image source: Charlemagne

Norman Conquest of England

1066

William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England and defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. The Norman Conquest led to significant political and cultural changes in England.

Image source: Norman Conquest

Battle of Hastings

Oct 14, 1066

William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II of England, leading to the Norman Conquest and the establishment of Norman rule in England.

Image source: Battle of Hastings

Battle of Manzikert

Aug 26, 1071

The Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Empire in the Battle of Manzikert, leading to the gradual decline of Byzantine power in Anatolia.

Image source: Battle of Manzikert

The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople

1202 - 1204

The Fourth Crusade, originally intended to recapture Jerusalem, deviated from its objective and resulted in the sack of Constantinople, causing major political and cultural consequences in the Byzantine Empire.

Image source: Fourth Crusade

The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

King John of England was forced to sign the Magna Carta, a charter that established the principle of limited monarchy and laid the foundation for individual rights and the rule of law.

Image source: Magna Carta

Hundred Years' War

1337 - 1453

A series of conflicts between England and France, the Hundred Years' War resulted in territorial disputes and power struggles, ultimately leading to the decline of feudalism and the rise of centralized nation-states.

Image source: Hundred Years' War

The Black Prince's Victory at the Battle of Poitiers

Sep 19, 1356

Edward, Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince, led an English army to victory against the French during the Hundred Years' War, capturing the French King John II.

Image source: Battle of Poitiers

Battle of Agincourt

Oct 25, 1415

English forces, led by King Henry V, achieved a remarkable victory against the French during the Hundred Years' War. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the English longbow and had significant political and military consequences.

Image source: Battle of Agincourt

Joan of Arc's Trial and Execution

1431

Joan of Arc, a young French peasant girl who claimed divine guidance, was captured, tried, and executed by the English for heresy. Her story became a symbol of French nationalism and religious devotion.

Image source: Joan of Arc

Religious and Spiritual

The Great Schism of the East

1054

The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church officially split, leading to the East-West Schism and the division between Eastern and Western Christianity.

Image source: East–West Schism

Crusades

1095 - 1291

A series of military campaigns launched by European Christians to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. The Crusades had profound religious, political, and cultural impacts on both Europe and the Middle East.

Image source: Crusades

Great Schism

1378 - 1417

The Great Schism divided the Catholic Church, with rival popes in Rome and Avignon. This event caused a crisis of authority within the church and led to a loss of faith among many Europeans.

Image source: Western Schism

Cultural and Intellectual

University of Bologna Founded

1088

The University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world, was founded. It became a center of learning and intellectual exchange during the Middle Ages.

Image source: University of Bologna

Gothic Architecture

1100 - 1199

The development of Gothic architecture in Europe, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, revolutionized architectural design and allowed for greater height and light in cathedrals and other structures.

Image source: Gothic architecture

Marco Polo's Travels

1271

Italian explorer Marco Polo embarked on his extensive travels to Asia, documenting his experiences and introducing Europeans to the riches and wonders of the East.

Image source: Marco Polo

Dante's Divine Comedy Completed

1320

Italian poet Dante Alighieri completed his epic poem, the Divine Comedy, which explores the realms of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven and has had a profound influence on Western literature.

Image source: Divine Comedy

The Canterbury Tales Completed

1400

English writer Geoffrey Chaucer completed his collection of stories, the Canterbury Tales, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval society and literature.

Image source: The Canterbury Tales

Invention of the Printing Press

1440

German printer Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, revolutionizing the dissemination of knowledge and contributing to the spread of literacy and the Renaissance.

Image source: Printing press

Social and Economic

The Great Famine

1315 - 1317

A period of extreme food shortage and famine across Europe, caused by adverse weather conditions and poor agricultural practices, resulting in widespread suffering and death.

Image source: Great Famine of 1315–1317

Black Death

1347

The Black Death, a devastating pandemic caused by the bubonic plague, spread throughout Europe, leading to the deaths of millions of people and significant social and economic consequences.

Image source: Black Death

Hanseatic League Established

1358

The Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds, was established in Northern Europe. It played a crucial role in trade and economic development during the Middle Ages.

Image source: Hanseatic League

The Great Fire of London

Sep 2, 1666

A devastating fire broke out in the city of London, destroying a significant portion of the city and leading to the implementation of new building regulations and fire safety measures.

Image source: Great Fire of London

Key Facts

The Middle Ages began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.
The Crusades, a series of holy wars, took place between the 11th and 13th centuries.
The Black Death, a devastating plague, swept through Europe in the 14th century, causing millions of deaths.
The Magna Carta, a document that limited the powers of the English monarchy, was signed in 1215.
The Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival, marked the end of the Middle Ages.

Source

This Middle Ages timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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