The Middle Ages lasted nearly a thousand years. It started about the year 500 A.D. and ended about the year 1450 A.D. Historians call this time period middle because it fell between the ancient world and the renaissance period.

Some people think that nothing important happened during the Middle Ages. But the rise of European cities, government, universities and banking systems all had their roots in the Middle Ages. Towns grew and trade thrived. Artisans built inspiring cathedrals and strong castles.

Yet, life was hard in the Middle Ages. There were few machines. Most jobs were done by hand. People knew little about health and cleanliness. Two out of every ten children died before their first birthday.

It was not a peaceful time. Many people were very poor and hungry. They worked for strong landlords who could protect them in time of war. In return, they promised to be loyal and to serve the rich lord, especially in battle. This system is called feudalism.

Our knowledge of the Middle Ages comes from many sources. Thousands of buildings from that period still stand. We can visit museums to see many items from this time. Some songs, stories and poems, such as The Canterbury Tales, still survive. All of these sources provide useful clues to how people lived.