Key historical developments of the Middle Ages include the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the rise of feudalism, the spread of Christianity, the establishment of powerful monarchies, and the emergence of universities. This period saw significant social and cultural changes, characterized by the division between the nobility and peasantry, the influence of the Catholic Church, and the development of medieval art and literature. Notable events include the Crusades, which aimed to reclaim the Holy Land, and the Black Death, which drastically reduced the population and altered socio-economic structures. The Middle Ages laid the foundation for the Renaissance and modern Europe.