The Early Middle Ages was the first period of the Middle Ages in Europe, following the decline of the Western Roman Empire. Conventional dating begins with the deposition of the last western emperor, Romulus Augustulus, by the Germanic leader Odoacer. Various Germanic peoples settled in former Roman lands, forming kingdoms such as those of the Franks, Visigoths and Lombards, and the Frankish ruler Charlemagne created a large empire around 800. The Byzantine Empire survived in the east, while the rise of Islam transformed the Mediterranean world. Viking raids and new settlement affected northern Europe, and Christianity spread widely. Historians now reject the older label Dark Ages, since the period saw lasting cultural and economic change.
Before and after
- from 2 June 455 CE to 16 June 455 CEThe Vandals sack Rome
- 476 CEBirth of Aryabhata
- from 476 CE to 1492Middle Ages
- from 476 CE to 718 CEVisigothic Kingdom
- from 476 CE to 900 CEEarly Middle Ages
- 476 CEFall of the western Roman Empire
- 480 CEBirth of Boethius
- 3 March 480 CEBirth of Benedict of Nursia
- from 481 CE to 843 CEFranciaf
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- 13th century BCEAncient Celts
- from c. 753 BCE to 476 CEAncient Rome
- 7th century BCEConstruction of Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- from 312 BCE to 63 BCESeleucid Empire
- 80 CEThe Colosseum is inaugurated
- from 285 CE to 1453Byzantine Empire
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 5th century.