The period from the 8th to the 14th centuries was marked by significant changes in Europe and beyond. This era saw the rise of the Feudal System, where land was owned by nobles and worked by peasants. The Carolingian Empire, established by Charlemagne, played a crucial role in unifying much of Western Europe during the early part of this period. Additionally, the 11th century brought the Crusades, a series of religious wars aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land. The late medieval period also witnessed the growth of towns and trade, leading to the emergence of a merchant class and the decline of feudalism. This transformation laid the groundwork for the Renaissance.