Which event marked the beginning of the Middle Ages?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire is widely regarded as the event that marks the beginning of the Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period. This collapse occurred in 476 CE when the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by Germanic chieftain Odoacer. The disintegration of centralized Roman authority led to significant changes throughout Europe, including the rise of feudalism, the fragmentation of territories, and the emergence of various kingdoms and tribes.

This transitional period saw a shift from the classical era characterized by Roman governance and cultural unity to a new era defined by local powers and the influence of the Christian Church. The collapse set the stage for the social, economic, and political structures that would dominate medieval society, and it marked the end of ancient history and the commencement of what would come to be known as the Middle Ages.

In contrast, the other events mentioned occurred later in the timeline. The rise of the Byzantine Empire followed the division of the Roman Empire, the signing of the Magna Carta occurred in 1215 during the height of the Middle Ages, and the crowning of Charlemagne in 800 CE happened well after the beginning of this period. Thus, the fall of the Western Roman Empire is foundational