Medieval Timeline Assignment

Clovis Born

466

Son of Frankish King (at the time) Childeric, and Thuringian Queen Basina. Clovis succeeded his father as King of the Salian Franks in 481. It is believed that the Law of Salian Franks originated during the time of Clovis’ reign. It combined customary law, Roman law, and royal edicts.

Justinian born

483

Justinian was the Byzantine emperor from 527-565. Justinian was noted for his reorganization of the imperial government, as well as his creation of a codification of laws known as Codex Justinianus.

Battle of Tours

Dec 21, 732

The Battle of Tours was a battle fought between Frankish leader Charles Martel and a huge Islamic army, led by Emir Abdul Rahman, near Tours, France. The Franks won, defeating the Islamic army, and killing Abdul Rahman. Historians believe that the stoppage of Islamic culture coming north preserved Christianity in Europe.

Charlemagne born

Dec 21, 742

Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was an emperor who ruled a majority of Western Europe from 768-814. In 771, Charlemagne became King of the Franks, now a Germanic tribe in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and western Germany. His main goal was to unite all the Germanic people into one unified kingdom.

Viking Invasions

Period: Dec 21, 793 to Dec 21, 1066

The Vikings constantly invaded and raided various parts of Europe due to their powerful military and naval superiority. The design of their ships allowed them to land practically anywhere to invade just about any costal village. No one ever knew when or where the Vikings would attack, which caused people to wonder “Why did God send these people against us?”

East-West Schism (The Great Schism)

Dec 21, 1054

The Great Schism was the event that divided Chalcedonian Christianity into Western Rome Catholicism/East Orthodoxy. The Great Schism was actually caused by great estrangement between the two church groups. Primarily, there were disputes over papal authority.

Norman Conquest of England

Dec 21, 1066

Led by William, the duke of Normandy, the Normandic militaristic conquest of England began in 1066. The decisive victory had led to drastic changes socially, administratively, and politically.

University of Bologna founded

Dec 21, 1088

Founded in the Italian city of Bologna, the University of Bologna was made up of mostly men, as the civil/canon law were some of the only branches of study, which attracted men to fill in office-like jobs

Eleanor of Aquitaine born

Dec 21, 1122

Eleanor of Aquitaine was the wife of both Louis VII (1137-1152), and Henry II (1152 – 1204). She was divorced by Louis VII because she could not give him boys, but only girls. Eleanor was the mother of Richard I, and the eventual King of England, John. She is considered to be one of the most powerful women in 12th century Europe.

Magna Carta signed

Dec 21, 1215

The Magna Carta was perhaps one of the most important documents signed in medieval England. Signed by King John, it stated that he would govern England and treat its people according to the feudal laws. It was a way to stop a king from abusing his powers.

Marco Polo Born

Dec 21, 1254

Marco Polo was a Venetian journalist and explorer, who travelled from Europe to Asia, between the years of 1271 and 1295. He was also responsible for writing “Il Milione”, which is known as “The Travels of Marco Polo” in English.

Hundred Years' War

Period: Dec 21, 1337 to Dec 21, 1453

This is used to describe the lengthy war between France and England. The war was based on two conflicts: First, the status of the duchy of Guyenne (Aquitaine). Thought it belonged to England, it remained a fief of the French. Second, the Kings of England from 1337 claimed the crown of France, as Charles IV died.

Johann Gutenberg born

Dec 21, 1395

Johann Gutenberg was the inventor of a “moveable type”, and used this invention to create the Western world’s first major-printed books. His most famous print was the “Forty-Two-Line” Bible, which is said to be completed no later than 1455. This was a big leap in what we know as writing etiquette.

Johann Gutenberg born

Dec 21, 1395

Johann Gutenberg was the inventor of a “moveable type”, and used this invention to create the Western world’s first major-printed books. His most famous print was the “Forty-Two-Line” Bible, which is said to be completed no later than 1455. This was a big leap in what we know as writing etiquette.

Joan of Arc Born

Dec 21, 1412

Saint, warrior, and Military Leader, Joan of Arc led the French to victory over the British during the Hundred Years’ War. She was only 18 years old when she led the French to victory. She was declared to be a Roman Catholic Saint over 500 years later in the 1920s.

Fall of Constantinople

Dec 21, 1453

The siege of Byzantine’s capital, as well as one of the most heavily fortified cities in the world, was due to Sultan Mehmed II, the Ottoman Turk Ruler, who led the assult. The Turks attacked with 100,000-150,000 men using various war tactics, such as destroying walls with cannons, using warships, and extensive infantry.