The first one to use the concept “Middle Ages” was Cristobal Keller in 1688, but it’s difficult to define this historical period. Nowadays, there are still discussions about its chronological and spatial limits.
During the Renaissance, at the begging of 16th century with the Tudor dynasty, the Middle Ages were seen as a dark and violent time. But, in the 18th century that idea changed as, on one hand, the European nationalist ideals began to spread, and, one the other hand, the Romantic ideas succeeded all over Europe. In that time, the Middle Ages were considerate as the specific moment when the European nations were born.
The history of the Middle Ages is an European work as a concept. The main space that was studied by historians was Europe, and the peripheric lands were just analyzed if they had any contact with European kingdoms. But this idea, the Eurocentrism, doesn’t have to be seen as a scorn, but as study of a determinate civilisation. Actually, all the European kingdoms were located in a homogenous world, a specific cultural area named Christianity.
Chronologically, the Middle Ages are divided in two main periods: the Early Middle Ages (1066-1307) and the Late Middle Ages (1307-1485).
After reading the post, The Middle Ages, do these activities:
- Had the concept the Middle Ages meant always the same for the historians? Argue your answer.
- What are we talking about when we say Christianity?
- Have a look at the link Medieval Times and explain the main differences among the two periods in which the Middle Ages are divided.
