Before the Middle Ages, the historical period known as Antiquity or Ancient History prevailed. This period spans from the earliest recorded civilizations around 3000 BC until the fall of the Western Roman Empire around 476 AD.
During Antiquity, significant advancements were made in various fields including politics, philosophy, art, and science. It was an era marked by remarkable civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, each contributing to the cultural and intellectual tapestry of human history.
Understanding this period helps contextualize the Middle Ages, which succeeded it and was characterized by different societal structures, including feudalism and the rise of Christianity in Europe. The transition from Antiquity to the Middle Ages involved a complex mix of cultural, economic, and political changes, which laid the groundwork for the subsequent major developments in European history.