The term "Medieval" refers to the period in European history from roughly the 5th to the late 15th century, often called the Middle Ages. This era followed the fall of the Roman Empire and is characterized by feudalism, where society was structured around land ownership and the relationships between lords and vassals. Castles, knights, and serfs were common, and the Catholic Church played a significant role in daily life and governance. During the Medieval period, art and literature flourished, with notable works like Dante's Divine Comedy and the Chansons de geste. The era also saw the rise of universities and the beginnings of modern science. Events such as the Crusades and the Black Death shaped society