The story of mankind has been divided by historians into three great sections—ancient times, the Middle Ages, and modern times. The Middle Ages span the time between the fall of Rome and the beginning of modern times in the fifteenth century.

Of course, when you consider such a great period of time, it’s difficult to give exact dates for the beginning and for the end. One age merges gradually into the next. But the date most commonly used as the beginning of the Middle Ages is A.D.476, when the last of the Roman emperors was dethroned. Its end is usually marked at 1453, when Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Empire, fell to the Turks.

What was life like during the Middle Ages? What important things happened during this time? This was the epoch during which Christianity triumphed over pagan Europe. In the Middle Ages, that feudal system grew and then decayed in Europe, and the foundations for modern nations were laid.

Although this was the age of chivalry, there was also much cruelty. Lords expressed noble and romantic beliefs in flowery language, but they treated their servants and slaves with inhumanity.

This was a time when people had unquestioning faith. In no other time did religion play so important a part. The Church and State were not only bound closely together, but often the Church was the State. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, the popes began to lose their power in matters that did not deal with religion.

Modern commerce began in the Middle Ages with the search for new sea routes to India and China.

Science did not make great progress during the Middle Ages, and most of the literature of the time dealt with chivalry and battle. Architecture in the Middle Ages was expressed most fully in the magnificent Gothic cathedrals and their stained-glass windows.