How to Compare Medieval Times to Modern Times

Castle building was prevalent during the Medieval period.

The Medieval period, or Middle Ages, is also called the Dark Ages. It lasted nearly 1,000 years, from the fifth to the 15th century, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance It can be compared and contrasted with modern times.

Feudalism

Feudalism was a pyramid-shaped political and economic system with kings and royalty at the top and serfs at the bottom. This can be compared to modern capitalism, with a tiny controlling elite at the top ruling over the middle and lower classes.

Religion

Religion dominated the art and architecture along with the political, cultural and scientific thinking of medieval times. While still important in modern times, the courthouse has replaced the church as the center of the village.

Warfare

Conducting large scale wars was a historically significant activity of both time periods. The Hundred Years' War dominated medieval times, while World War I and II were central events in modern history.

References

• Medieval Period: Castles, weapons and torture devices
• History on the Net: Medieval Life-Feudalism