How do you conventionally date the middle ages?

The Middle Ages are commonly dated from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the late 5th century AD to the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in the middle of the 15th century. However, the boundaries of this period can vary depending on the region and culture being considered.

The Middle Ages follow the period known as Late Antiquity, and can be divided into three main periods:

1) The Early Middle Ages (5th-10th centuries): This period is characterized by the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of Germanic kingdoms. The Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD, and Europe experienced a series of invasions and migrations by various Germanic tribes. This period also saw the rise of Christianity as the dominant religion in Europe.

2) The High Middle Ages (10th-13th centuries): This period is marked by a period of cultural and economic growth. Feudalism, the manorial system, and the Crusades were important features of this time. The Crusades were a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land.

3) The Late Middle Ages (13th-15th centuries): This period saw a decline in the power of the feudal nobility and the rise of the merchant class. The Black Death, which killed millions of people in Europe, was also a major event of this time. The Late Middle Ages ended with the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD.