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Stained glass and gothic style (About 1135 - 1144 A.D.).
St. Denis Abbey in Paris is rebuilt in the Gothic style, the first church to use this design. The church also uses stained glass windows. By this time there are many Catholic monasteries in France. Some monks spend their days hand-copying holy books and drawing beautiful designs along the borders. -
Magna Carta is signed.
Rebels oppose King John of England. But they have no ruler to take his place. Instead they have him sign a document, the Magna Carta, stating that there is no divine right of kings. -
The Hundred Years War (1337 - 1453 A.D.).
Edward III of England declares war on France since he feels he should also be king of that country. The fighting continues off and on until about 1453. -
First Crusade (About 1096 - 1099 A.D.).
Religious people go on pilgrimages to visit sacred Biblical sites. When the Seljuk Turks rule, they forbid visits to the Holy Land. The Pope calls for a crusade against the Seljuks. Eventually the crusaders take the city of Jerusalem. There will be nine crusades in all between now and1272. -
Joan of Arc (1429 - 1431 A.D.)
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The movable type (1440 - 1456 A.D.).
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The Black Death (Around 1347 - 1350 A.D.).
A plague reaches the shores of Italy around 1347, believed to have been carried by merchant ships. Large black boils, oozing with blood and pus, are seen on the victims, who also have fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, and chills. The disease spreads quickly. About 1/3rd of the population dies.