medieval period

The medieval period, often called the Middle Ages, lasted from around the 5th to the late 15th century. It began after the fall of the Roman Empire and ended with the Renaissance. This era is marked by feudalism, where society was structured around land ownership and duty to lords. It saw the rise of the Catholic Church's influence, the development of universities, and notable events like the Crusades. Art, architecture, and literature flourished, exemplified by Gothic cathedrals and epic poetry. The period was diverse, spanning cultural, political, and economic changes across Europe and beyond.