The History of the Term "Middle Ages": How and When This Era Got Its Name

The period in European history known as the Middle Ages has long fascinated historians, scholars, and the general public alike. Often associated with knights, castles, feudalism, and the Church's dominance, the Middle Ages represent a complex and transformative era that spans roughly a millennium—from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the late 5th century to the dawn of the Renaissance in the 15th century. Yet, the term “Middle Ages” itself is a comparatively modern invention. It did not exist during the period it describes and only came into use centuries later.

This article explores how the Middle Ages received its name, the intellectual and cultural context in which the term was coined, the implications of the label, and how historians’ perspectives on the era have evolved over time.

What Are the Middle Ages?

Before delving into the etymology and historiography, it is essential to outline what historians generally mean by the Middle Ages.

The Middle Ages is traditionally divided into three broad phases:

Early Middle Ages (c. 500–1000 AD): Following the collapse of Roman authority in Western Europe, this period saw widespread political fragmentation, migrations, and the formation of new kingdoms. It is sometimes called the "Dark Ages," a term reflecting later perceptions of cultural and economic decline.

High Middle Ages (c. 1000–1300 AD): Marked by population growth, the rise of medieval kingdoms, the flourishing of Gothic art and architecture, the Crusades, and the establishment of universities.

Late Middle Ages (c. 1300–1500 AD): Characterized by crises such as the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, and significant social and religious upheavals that set the stage for the Renaissance.

The Middle Ages thus encompass a millennium of European history, covering enormous changes socially, politically, and culturally. shutdown123