[font:e936="]The expression "Middle Ages"
has been employed by Western civilization to define the 1000 years that span
European history from roughly 500 to 1500 AD. The beginning of the Middle Ages
is marked by the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the generally accepted end
of classical ancient history. The end of the Middle Ages is noted by the
beginning of the Renaissance (the "rebirth" of Europe). Events
marking the end of the period include the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the
first use of the printing press in 1456, the European discovery of the Americas
in 1492, the Protestant Reformation, triggered by Martin Luther in 1517, and
the flowering of the arts in Italy. The Middle Ages thus fall in the middle
between ancient and modern history.[/font]
[font:e936="]Historic periods in Asia and the Middle
East do not fit easily into the concept of a European Middle Age. China evolved
gradually from prehistoric times up to the advent of Western modern history
without the great disruptions that befell Europe. China passed under the
control of several dynasties and suffered from invasion, but the basic culture
progressed steadily. Japan progressed steadily, as well, and was left largely
alone. The history of the Middle East fits together more closely with the
European Middle Ages because these two regions were adjacent and shared many
interactions.[/font]
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