The Middle Ages, or medieval period, is a period of time that lasted from about 500-1500 C.E. However, this date is approximate, and there is a variety of dates of that significant era. Every view of the Middle Ages had its own defining characteristics, which in turn had its own turning points and associating dates. The Medieval period was a time of war, hardship, and suffering. In the early Middle Ages, Europe was a frontier land and it was a dangerous place to live in. It was sparsely populated and undeveloped because it was cut-off from advanced civilizations in China, India and the Middle East. Later, however,Europe had a period of renewal in which Europeans built a new civilization. That civilization included German, Roman, and Christian traditions.