choose 3 key events or an individual who you believe influenced / shaped the era of history known as the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages are the historical period that goes from the 5th to the 15th century. It begins with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and ends in 1453 with the taking of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks.

1095 - Organization of the First Crusade by Pope Urban II.

The First Crusade began in 1095 after the declaration of Pope Urban II during the Ecclesiastical Council of Clermont, France. On that occasion, he evoked the need for Christians to regain Jerusalem and liberate the Holy Sepulcher, under Muslim rule since 1076. The religious military movement was not an isolated episode, but a series of campaigns that included the People's Crusade, the Crusade of Nobles and the 1101 Crusade.

1347 - Black Plague epidemic begins in Europe.

The black plague became known in history as a disease responsible for one of the most tragic epidemics that plagued the Western world.

1453 - Fall of Constantinople, also known as the Taking of Constantinople. Ottoman Turks invade and dominate the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire).

The event known as the "Fall of Constantinople", which occurred on May 29, 1453, is so important for world history that it was elected by 19th century historians as the one that ended the historical period of the Middle Ages and, therefore, started to the Modern Age. Constantinople was conquered and subdued by the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II, who was known by the nickname "The Conqueror".