The medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages, lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD and ended with the fall of Constantinople in 1453 AD before transitioning into the Renaissance and then the Age of Discovery. The medieval period is itself subdivided into the Early, High, and Late Middle Ages. During this time, society was organized in various ways, including manorialism and feudalism. The Catholic and Orthodox churches were formally divided during this period, with the East-West Schism of 1054. The Middle Ages is one of the three major periods in the most enduring scheme for analyzing European history: Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Modern Period.

The term "medieval" is often used to describe things that are old-fashioned or primitive. However, it can also refer to specific aspects of the time period, such as medieval architecture. The medieval era is also associated with the Crusades, which were a series of wars fought between Christians and Muslims over control of the Holy Lands in the Middle East. The Age of Chivalry, which was a period of time when knights and kings were attacking the Holy Lands in the name of God and with the blessing of the Christian Church, is sometimes considered a golden age of chivalry.

In summary, the medieval period refers to a time in European history from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, characterized by the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the organization of society through manorialism and feudalism, and the formal division of the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The term "medieval" is often used to describe things that are old-fashioned or primitive, but it can also refer to specific aspects of the time period, such as medieval architecture. The era is also associated with the Crusades and the Age of Chivalry.