Final answer:
The Middle Ages or Medieval period spanned nearly a thousand years in European history, characterized by political and military instability, feudalism, and limited technological advancements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period, spanned nearly a millennium in European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. It began with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and ended with the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. The Middle Ages were characterized by political and military instability, feudalism, and limited technological advancements. The period is divided into the Early, High, and Late Middle Ages, each with its own set of social, political, and cultural realities. Despite being referred to as the 'Dark Ages' by some Renaissance scholars, the Middle Ages were a complex and transformative era in European history.