European Middle Ages

The European Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, was a period marked by the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of feudalism. Society was organized around rigid class structures with kings, nobles, and peasants. The Catholic Church played a central role in daily life and governance. Cultural achievements, like Gothic architecture and scholastic philosophy, emerged alongside challenges such as the Crusades and the Black Death. This era gradually transitioned into the Renaissance, characterized by renewed interest in art, science, and classical learning.