The medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages, lasted from the 5th to the 15th century and was a time of great upheaval and change in Europe. It was a period marked by feudalism, manorialism, the rise of the Catholic Church, and the spread of Christianity throughout Europe.
A flow chart of the medieval period would likely begin with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century. This event marked the end of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Dark Ages, a time of political and social instability in Europe.
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, feudalism became the dominant form of political and social organization in Europe. Under feudalism, the king or emperor granted land, known as fiefs, to nobles in exchange for their loyalty and military service. The nobles, in turn, granted smaller parcels of land to vassals, who were required to provide labor and military service in exchange for the use of the land. This system created a hierarchy of lords and vassals, with the king or emperor at the top and the peasants at the bottom.
The medieval period was also marked by the rise of the Catholic Church and the spread of Christianity throughout Europe. The Church played a central role in the lives of medieval Europeans, providing spiritual guidance, education, and social services. It also played a significant political role, with the Pope often serving as a mediator in disputes between rulers.
During the medieval period, Europe also saw the emergence of a new economic system known as manorialism. Under this system, the lord of a manor owned the land and the peasants who lived and worked on it. The lord provided the peasants with protection and a place to live in exchange for their labor and a portion of their crops.
In addition to these social and economic changes, the medieval period was also marked by significant cultural and artistic achievements. The medieval period saw the development of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, as well as the emergence of a rich literary tradition. It was also a time of great scientific and technological advancement, with many important inventions and discoveries made during this time.
Overall, the medieval period was a time of great change and upheaval in Europe, marked by the rise of feudalism, the spread of Christianity, and the emergence of a new economic system. It was also a time of significant cultural and artistic achievements that continue to influence the world today.