The medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages, lasted from the 5th to the late 15th century. It began after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and is characterized by the rise of feudalism, where land was held by lords and worked by peasants. This era saw the growth of Christianity and the establishment of powerful kingdoms across Europe. During the medieval period, significant cultural and intellectual developments occurred, including the founding of universities and the creation of notable works of literature, such as Dante's Divine Comedy. The period also witnessed the Crusades, a series of religious wars aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land, which had lasting impacts on European and Middle Eastern relations.