The main primary sources (Latin) and terminology (terms, ethnological-geographicaltopographical data). Transition from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages and Fall of the Western Roman Empire (4th -5 th c. A.D.). The 5 main periods: 1. 4 th -5 th to mid-6 th c. (Invasions/migrations of peoples-rise of new nations) 2. Mid-6 th -mid-9 th c. (Beginnings of the Feudal System-Foundation of the Holy Roman Empire) 3. Mid 9th -mid-11th c. (Consolidation of the Holy Roman Empire-rise of Papacy and confrontation with the Christian East) 4. Mid 11th -early 13th c. (Prevalence of Papacy-Crusades) 5. Early 13th –late 15th c. (The Papacy in crisis-decline of Feudalism-Renaissance and early Discoveries) Demographic conditions-production; landholding status; farming exploitation and social stratification; economic rise; commercial an d political fragmentation; aristocracy (nobles); local lords and serfdom (vassals); commerce revival; importance and role of cities/towns; Gregorian Reform; monastic orders; demographic, social and economic “crises” of the 14th c.; town and farmer uprisings; feudal crisis and strengthening of monarchy; technological development in the later Middle Ages; topics on civilization, education, culture, architecture and art.