The Middle AgesThe Middle Ages is a historical period that began with the Fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 A.D. (the 5th century) and ended with the Fall of the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire in 1453 (the 15th century). This period is divided into three stages: The Early Middle Ages, the High Middle Ages and the Late Middle Ages.
An area of invasion
Between the 3rd and 10th centuries, there were mass migrations in Europe. Firstly, Germanic peoplesmigrated to and defeated the Western Roman Empire. They created numerous kingdoms. Afterwards,SlavsandMagyarsarrived from the east,NorsemenorVikingsfrom the north andMuslims from the south.
The Byzantine empire
The Byzantine Empire resisted the Germanic invasions and maintained its political unity. It reached its maximum size under Justinian the Great. However, as time passed, the area it controlled gradually became smaller due to pressure from the Muslims and Slavs.
Theemperorwas the highest political authority, and society was divided into thelandowning nobles and the rest of the population. Initially the economy prospered due to trade.
Islam and caliphate
In the 7th century, MuhammadfoundedIslamin Arabia. The Muslims created an extensive empire which stretched from the Iberian Peninsula to India. Muhammad's successors, known as thecaliphs, were the highest religious and political authority. Other political positions were theviziers,emirsand theqadisor judges.