Fourteenth century miniature of Philip Augustus arriving in Palestine during the Crusades
When most students think of the Middle Ages, they often conjure up the term, "Dark Ages." While this may have proved an accurate description for the time period directly following the collapse of the Roman Empire, it became less apt by the end of the first millennium A.D. (C.E.), when the Church and feudalism blossomed. This brought Medieval Europeans into contact with one another and the rest of the world between 1050 A.D. (C.E.) and 1450 A.D. (C.E.), resulting in both positive and negative outcomes.
In this module, you will discover that with the progression of the Middle Ages came European conflict, disease, and the unification of regions into nation-states like England, France, Spain, and Russia. Specifically, kings and religious leaders embarked on a long series of conflicts called the Crusades, in an effort to take control of the Holy Land from the Muslims. While the Crusades sparked increased trade opportunities, they were also dangerous. The Black Death, or bubonic plague, arrived on the shores of Europe, and had a great impact on the region. In addition, much of the European population was illiterate during the Middle Ages until the Church began an educational system. Finally, you will learn how the late Middle Ages set the stage for the Renaissance period, and the birth of Europe as it is known today.
Take a moment to check how much you already know about the High Middle Ages. Click the player button to get started.
To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the