The Middle Ages occurred in Europe between the end of the Roman Empire, about A. D. 500, and the beginning of the Renaissance, around 1400. The phrase Middle Ages was first used by fifteenth- century scholars to describe the middle period between the ancient time of the Roman Empire and their modern era.

Historians have difficulty agreeing on what made that nine-hundred-year era unique. Generally, however, they agree that this period was a time when people throughout much of Europe lost the protection and stability provided by the Roman Empire and sought safety and defense in small communi- ties centered around a lord or a master. Most of theses villages were isolated from each other, with occasional visits from peddlers, priests, soldiers, and neighboring villagers. Ninety percent of Europe's medieval population lived sheltered and isolated in small rural villages far...