The European Middle Ages, often called the Medieval Period, spanned from the 5th to the late 15th century. This era followed the fall of the Roman Empire and was marked by the rise of feudalism, where land was owned by lords and worked by peasants. Castles and manors became common, and the Catholic Church played a significant role in daily life, influencing education, politics, and culture. During the Middle Ages, important events like the Crusades and the Black Death shaped society. The period also saw the emergence of universities and the flourishing of art and literature, with figures like Dante and Chaucer leaving a lasting impact on European culture.