Medieval period
The word “medieval” means “the middle ages,”
and covers a period of more than a thousand
years between the fall of the Roman Empire
(5th century) to the Renaissance (16th century).
During this time, Europe was all about who
owned land—and so held the power.
The feudal system In many parts of
Europe, society was organized into a class
system, with the king at the top, who
owned all the land. Barons and
bishops were below him, then
the lesser lords (knights),
and, finally, the peasants.HISTORY AND POLITICS
On Christmas Day, 800 CE, Charlemagne (742–
814) was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by
Pope Leo III. Charlemagne was an important
leader, establishing central government and
schools in monasteries, spreading Christianity,
and paving the way for modern Europe.TAKE A PICTURE BUILT FOR DEFENSE In an
age when land meant power, it was
important to protect what you had.
Cities, based around the lord’s castle,
were fortified with walls and a moat.1921
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Raising the bridge and closing
the gates slowed down invaders.
No large city was complete
without a cathedral.
A lord could see enemy advances
from his hill-top castle towers.