Middle Ages

Socio political-economical situation.

During the eleventh and twelfth centuries, Europe enjoyed an economic and agricultural boom. A slight warming of the climate and improved agricultural techniques allowed lands that had previously been marginal or even infertile to become fully productive. In the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, however, the climate once again began to cool and agricultural innovations could not maintain the productivity of frontier lands that again became marginal or were abandoned entirely. The decreased agricultural output could no longer support the same level of economic activity and, as early as the middle of the thirteenth century, the economy was beginning to weaken. By early in the fourteenth century and continuing well into that century, a declining population, shrinking markets, a decrease in arable land and a general mood of pessimism were evidence of deteriorating economic conditions.

Periods of the Middle Ages and their characteristics.

The Early Middle Age.

The Early Medieval Era is sometimes still called the Dark Ages.
This era is often considered to begin with the "fall of Rome" and end sometime in the 11th century. It encompasses the reigns of Charlemagne, Alfred the Great, and the Danish Kings of England; it saw frequent Viking activity, the Iconoclastic Controversy, and the birth and rapid expansion of Islam in Northern Africa and Spain. Over these centuries, Christianity spread throughout much of Europe, and the Papacy evolved into a powerful political entity.

The High Middle Age.

The High Medieval Era is the period of time that seems to typify the Middle Ages best. Usually beginning with the 11th century. The High Middle Ages saw such significant events as Norman conquests in Britain and Sicily, the earlier Crusades, the Investiture Controversy and the signing of the Magna Carta. By the end of the 11th century, nearly every corner of Europe had become Christianized.
It is sometimes referred to as the "flowering" of medieval society, thanks to an intellectual renaissance in the 12th century.
There was an explosion of stone castle-building, and the construction of some of the most magnificent cathedrals in Europe.

An illustration of King Edgar, made in 966. Artist unknown.

The Late Middle Age.

The end of the Middle Ages can be characterized as a transformation from the medieval world to the early modern one.
Cataclysmic and awesome events of the 14th century include the Hundred Years War, the Black Death, the Avignon Papacy, the Italian Renaissance and the Peasants' Revolt. The 15th century saw Joan of Arc burned at the stake, the fall of Constantinople to the Turks, the Moors driven from Spain and the Jews expelled, the Wars of the Roses and the voyage of Columbus to the New World. The 16th century was wracked by the Reformation and blessed by the birth of Shakespeare. The 17th century, rarely included within the medieval era, saw the Great Fire of London, a rash of witch hunts, and the Thirty Years War.

Duccio di Buoninsegna, "Madonna and Child"