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 Roman Empire and is often characterized by feudalism, where society was structured around land ownership and service. During this time, powerful figures like kings and lords ruled over large territories, while peasants worked the land in exchange for protection. This era saw the rise of the Catholic Church, which played a significant role in daily life and politics. Notable events, such as the Crusades, aimed to reclaim the Holy Land, while the Black Death in the 14th century drastically reduced the population. The period eventually paved the way for the **Renaissance