Medieval European history, also called as the Middle Ages is marked from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE to the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire and Constantinople in 1453 C.E. This period had a span of about 1000 years. During this period, the accomplishments of the Greeks and Romans were neglected. Various German tribes invaded Western and Central Europe. The Middle Ages witnessed the rise of the Byzantine Empire and Islamic and Western civilization.
The Eastern Roman Empire centred in Constantinople, survived as the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1000 years after the fall of Rome. Constantinople was earlier called as Byzantium, which was founded in the 7th century BCE by a Greek King called By zas. Due to the fall of the Roman Empire, there was political and social instability in Europe. The Church emerged as a powerful authority and brought the required stability and order.
The Middle age is divided into 3 phases as follows:
1. Early Middle Age: It began around 500 C.E. and ended around 1050 C.E. It is also called the ‘Dark age’, because of the confused and chaotic state of affairs that existed in Europe.
2. High Middle Age: The period lasted from 1050 C.E to 1300 C.E. This period witnessed advancement in terms of agriculture, improvement in the standard of living and Education along with political stability. Towns and Universities emerged. The authority of the Popes increased.
3. Later Middle Age: The period between 1300 C.E. to 1453 C.E. is called the later Middle Age. This period witnessed further development of towns and cities and a decline in the power of feudalism and Church. A new entrepreneurial and intellectual class emerged. They challenged the State and the Church.
