Defining the Middle Ages.

When I studied British History in grade nine (and, come to think of it,
in university), the Middle Ages was defined as the period between 1066
and 1485. Later, I bought a book entitled /*The High Middle Ages*/,
which covered the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, and included what
is known as the 'Mediaeval Renaissance'. I never questioned these
delineations until I read an article in which the beginning of the
Middle Ages was pushed back to 411 AD (Fall of Rome), thus obliterating
the dark ages.

I guess I thought that one era passed into another with an apocalyptic
vision in which the clouds parted, and a large marquee appeared, saying
something like:

*This Is The End Of The Middle Ages; Stay Tuned For The Tudors.*

/*
*/Here's Melissa Snell's six-part article that sets everything straight.
I'm sleeping nights again.
http://historymedren.about.com/od/gettingstarted/a/defining.htm