The official beginning of the Middle Ages was the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 A.D. At that time numerous barbarian tribes split up the area. The first castles were built around 1066. Before that, the French used them to fortify the area from over 1,000,000 Saxons who lived there. William the Conquer, who conquered England, built over 500 castles in England.

    From then on, Lords, Dukes, Barons, Kings, and all levels of aristocracy built castles to defend their fiefs (a piece of land that a king gives to somebody in exchange for money or troops in times of war) that the king had granted them. From there, they could go out to attack other castles while being safe in their own castle.

     Even though life could be very dangerous, there was still time for feasts, games, trading and  other kinds of leisure.  Hunts, market days, feasts and entertainment adorned special days in the middle ages. This all fitted in with their daily life.                                          

     Many vicious battles were fought during the middle ages. Empires like the Holy Roman and Byzantine empires were created and destroyed.  Other battles were fought. Overall, the Middle Ages were a time of fighting.