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476
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
Odoacer, a Germanic leader, deposes the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus. -
493
Theodoric the Great establishes the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy
After defeating Odoacer, Theodoric rules Italy, blending Roman traditions with Germanic governance. -
527
Justinian I becomes Byzantine Emper
He initiates major legal reforms, compiling Roman laws into the Corpus Juris Civilis, and builds the famous Hagia Sophia. -
711
Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula begins
Muslim forces, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, defeat the Visigoths, establishing Al-Andalus, a center of culture and learning -
732
Battle of Tours – Charles Martel halts the Muslim advance
The Frankish army stops Muslim expansion into Western Europe, shaping the continent’s religious and political future. -
800
Charlemagne is crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III
This event strengthens the alliance between the Frankish monarchy and the Catholic Church, reinforcing the idea of a Christian empire in the West. -
843
Treaty of Verdun – Division of Charlemagne’s Empire
His grandsons split the empire into three kingdoms, laying the foundation for modern France, Germany, and Italy. -
962
Otto I is crowned Holy Roman Emperor
His rule reinforces the idea of a revived Roman Empire in Western Europe, closely tied to the Catholic Church. -
1054
The Great Schism formally splits Christianity into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches.
Religious and political disputes lead to the permanent division of the Christian Church. -
1066
Norman Conquest of England – Battle of Hastings
William the Conqueror defeats Harold II, bringing feudalism and a new ruling class to England. -
1095
Pope Urban II calls for the First Crusade
Aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem, this sparks centuries of religious wars between Christians and Muslims. -
1215
Signing of the Magna Carta in England
King John agrees to a document limiting his power, laying the foundation for constitutional governance. -
1347
The Black Death arrives in Europe
This devastating plague wipes out a third of the population, leading to social and economic upheaval. -
1453
Fall of Constantinople – End of the Byzantine Empire
The Ottoman Turks, led by Mehmed II, conquer the city, marking the end of the Middle Ages. -
1492
Christopher Columbus reaches the Americas
With Spanish backing, Columbus’s voyage initiates European colonization of the New World. -
1517
Martin Luther’s 95 Theses – Start of the Protestant Reformation
Luther challenges the Catholic Church’s practices, leading to religious and political changes across Europe. -
Defeat of the Spanish Armada
England’s victory weakens Spain’s dominance and shifts the balance of naval power. -
Peace of Westphalia – End of the Thirty Years’ War
This treaty establishes the concept of state sovereignty, reshaping European politics. -
Glorious Revolution in England – Birth of constitutional monarchy
King James II is overthrown, ensuring parliamentary supremacy over the monarchy. -
Declaration of Independence of the United States
The American colonies break free from Britain, establishing a new democratic nation. -
French Revolution begins
Social unrest and economic crisis lead to the fall of the monarchy and radical political changes. -
Battle of Waterloo – Napoleon’s final defeat
Napoleon is exiled, and Europe returns to monarchies, ending the Napoleonic Wars -
Greek War of Independence begins; Mexico gains independence from Spain
While Greece fights against the Ottoman Empire, Mexico achieves freedom under Agustín de Iturbide.