10 things nobody knows about the Middle Ages

During this time, feudalism shaped society, Gothic architecture flourished, and events like the Crusades and the Black Death left a lasting impact.

Chivalry guided knightly conduct, while the Magna Carta marked a turning point in governance. Notable figures, such as Charlemagne, emerged, and literature like “Beowulf” and advancements in medicine and technology were prominent.

This era laid the foundation for many aspects of modern civilization.

Middle Ages Facts

1. Middle Ages lasted from the 5th to the 15th century

The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, is a term used to describe the roughly one-thousand-year span between the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and the beginning of the Renaissance in the late 15th century.

This era is often divided into three periods: the Early Middle Ages (5th to 10th century), the High Middle Ages (11th to 13th century), and the Late Middle Ages (14th to 15th century).

Feudalism was the dominant social system

Feudalism was the prevailing social, economic, and political system of the Middle Ages. At its core, it involved a hierarchical structure where land and protection were exchanged for service and loyalty.

Kings granted land (fiefs) to nobles (lords) in exchange for military support and other services. Nobles, in turn, granted land to vassals, who were bound to provide military service and other forms of assistance.

Peasants, often called serfs, worked the land and provided agricultural produce in return for protection. This decentralized system played a significant role in medieval society.

3. The Dark Ages marked its early phase

The term “Dark Ages” is sometimes used to refer to the early part of the Middle Ages, roughly from the 5th to the 10th century.

It is characterized by a decline in centralized authority, a loss of knowledge and education, and a relative lack of urbanization compared to the Roman Empire that preceded it.