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Medieval Europe
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Europe’s medieval period began with the fall of the Roman Empire, around 476 ce. It is an era well known for its changing monarchs, battles, castles, feasts and knights. Perhaps more powerful than any king, however, was Christianity. Religion not only guided everyone’s daily life, but also led empires into war and offered salvation when plague struck. Medieval Europe saw the introduction of feudalism. This was a social system that strictly controlled the population, threatening severe forms of punishment for wrongdoers. Gradually, important social and cultural changes were brought about by the growth of towns and trade, the Magna Carta, and innovations such as the printing press. In 1347, Europe was hit by a deadly plague – known as the Black Death – that killed around 30 per cent of the population. It took a century for the population to recover. By 1500 ce, a new age of inventors, philosophers and explorers had brought an end to the medieval period and led to the birth of modern Europe.
Source 1 Bodiam Castle is located near the village of Robertsbridge in south-east England. It was built in 1385 during the medieval period in Europe. The high walls and moat of the castle were designed to protect the lord of the manor and his family (as well as villagers living in the area) in the event of an attack.
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