The Middle Ages

1066-1485

Other Names for Period

• Dark Ages

• Medieval Era

Events

• Begins with William the Conqueror’s invasion with the Normans in 1066 (see Anglo-Saxon notes)

• The invasion begins the rise of feudalism—organization of society during this period

Events

• Magna Carta document takes power from the king for the first time (1215)

Events

• War of the Roses takes place between the Houses of Lancaster and York (their symbols were roses). This is a battle for the throne.

Events

• Black Death (1348-49) leads to the decline of feudalism after killing 25 million people. (Otherwise known as the plague).

Events

• 100 Years War is fought between Britain and France over control of France. This is the war Joan of Arc is involved in.

Events

• The Crusades are an attempt by the European Christians to take back the Holy Land from the Muslims.

Literature

Writing of this period is in Middle and eventually Modern English

Canterbury Tales

King Arthur

Ballads—songs that tell a story.