Sean HillTimeline Project

1. The Fall of the Western Roman Empire(395-476)

Although this is the most obvious choice for the first major event in the medieval time period, I would argue that it is significant not for the reason that might first come to mind. Many might say that the close of Rome’s world dominance is significant in a chronological aspect. In other words, in order for the medieval period to start, the Classical period must end, and the fact that it “kicks off” the Middle Ages is what makes this event significant. That the fall of Rome had to occur in order for the European Middle Ages to commence is an undeniable logical fact, but I would place the real reason for its significance in another fact; namely, the enormous influence Rome had over Europe for centuries to come. The fact that the Roman Empire was being besieged from all sides indicates its status as the pinnacle of what every other civilization was striving for at the time. Doubtless, the goal of achieving world power played a crucial role in the psyches of those who set out to capture the greatest city in the world. Throughout the Middle Ages, rulers pined for the power previously exhibited by Rome, as seen in efforts by rulers to have themselves declared Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope. Therefore, Rome’s fall was the culmination of European civilizations striving to attain its power and inevitably, Rome’s influence permeated throughout Europe.

2. Pontificate of Gregory I “The Great”(590-604)

One place where Classical influence is most unmistakable is the papacy. By establishing its headquarters in Rome, the church began to exert power and influence in a way reminiscent of how Rome had done so. Not until the pontificate of Gregory I did the papacy start to exercise its greatest level of power and influence. Often, the idea of monks, friars and anyone leading a life committed to God acting as warriors and killing people in battle seems out of context and strange, but it began to be exceedingly crucial and common under Gregory. This is because Gregory took responsibility for defending Rome. Not only did the church go through intense ministry expansion through events such as Gregory sending of St. Augustine of Canterbury to establish the Church of England, but its influence and power expanded as well. Gregory set the stage for continued religious expansion, which played an incalculable role in the medieval period.

3. The Rise of Monasteries(6th & 7th Centuries)

Acting as the center of most medieval villages, monasteries played multiple roles in the medieval world. Monasteries served as the physical epitome of religion, which permeated medieval society. Contrary to stereotypical belief, monasteries were not just places for prayer and meditation. One of their functions, which proved to be crucial, was the preservation of knowledge. As mentioned by Brummett, men such as Boethius and

Cassiodorus devoted their careers to preserving Classical literature. The scriptoria of monasteries throughout Europe proved to be literature’s best chance of holding out until the printing press arrived. Without monasteries, we would surely have a much smaller library from antiquity than we do today.

4. Moslem Invasions/Charles “The Hammer” Martel(8th Century)

The Pirenne thesis, composed by Henri Pirenne in the 1930’s, states that Europe was not split by the fall of Rome, but by the invasion of Moslems two hundred years later. Men such as Richard Hodges and David Whitehouse have criticized this theory in their book, Mohammad, Charlemagne, and the Origins of Europe. Nevertheless, Moslem control over parts of Europe cut off trade routes, assimilated their culture with that of the Christians, and changed the overall geography of Europe. Whether Europe was divided by Moslem invaders or by the split of the Roman Empire, it is clear that Moslem invasions had an enormous affect on Europe as a whole.

5. Charlemagne(768-814)

The grandson of Charles Martel, Charlemagne, came to power at a critical time in European history. During the rule of Charlemagne, Europe became the most cohesive that it had been since the Roman Empire. He was probably the most effective emperor in waging war on Islam. Perhaps the most celebrated medieval ruler, Charlemagne was crowned by the Pope in Rome as the Emperor of the Romans, something never legitimately achieved since the fall of the Roman Empire. Unfortunately, Charlemagne did not have effectual successors, but despite this, he proved that one ruler could unite most of mainland Europe. After Europe was split between his three sons, emperors tried in vain to reunite Europe as it had been under Charlemagne.

6. Rise of Seljuk Turks in The Holy Land/The Crusades(1095-1204)

Probably the most popular aspect of the Middle Ages today, the crusades served many purposes both on and off the field of battle. When the Seljuk Turks took over Jerusalem, they began persecuting Christian pilgrims who had been uneventfully trekking to the Holy Land for centuries. These persecutions were the spark that started the fire of the crusades. During this time, trade with the Mediterranean world was reopened and exchange of thoughts and customs between different civilizations recommenced. These exchanges were not always amiable, as in the situation in the Holy Land. The Crusades served as sort of a turning point in reuniting Europe and preparing it in that way for the Renaissance.