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Middle Ages
historical era
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Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
- Date:
- 500 - 1500
- Location:
- Europe
- Context:
- humanism
- Major Events:
- Migration period
- Key People:
- Arthur M. Sackler
Top Questions
When did the Middle Ages begin?
What was the role of Christendom?
How long did the Migration Period last?
What were the major artistic eras of the Middle Ages?
What socio-economic system is perceived as characteristic of the Middle Ages?
Middle Ages, the period in European history from the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century ce to the period of the Renaissance (variously interpreted as beginning in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century, depending on the region of Europe and other factors). A brief treatment of the Middle Ages follows. For full treatment, see Europe, history of: The Middle Ages. The term and its conventional meaning were introduced by Italian humanists with invidious intent. The humanists were engaged in a revival of Classical learning and culture, and the notion of a thousand-year period of darkness and ignorance separating ...(100 of 1100 words)