Plotinus founds Neo-Platonism, a school of mystical philosophy based on the works of Plato.

Constantine I proclaims religious freedom within the Roman Empire in the Edict of Milan

Crises brought on by both internal and external forces lead to the division of the Roman Empire into east and west. The western empire falls within a century.

St Augustine of Hippo writes his Confessions

Boethius begins to translate Aristotle's work on logic

The Tang Dynasty is established in China, bringing a Golden Age of cultural development.

The Prophet Muhammad performs the Hejira, his journey from Mecca to Medina, marking the beginning of the Muslim era.

Conquest of Christian Iberia (now Spain and Portugal) by Muslim invaders.

The House of Wisdom is established in Baghdad, attracting scholars from around the world to share and translate ideas.

Avicenna (Ibn Sina) writes his Kitab al-Shifa (The Book of Healing)

St Anselm writes the Proslogion.

Christian crusaders capture the holy city of Jerusalem.

The Black Death reaches Europe, killing more than a third of the continent's population.

Johannes Gutenberg invents the printing press, allowing for a great dissemination of knowledge.

Fall of the Byzantine Empire, the eastern remnant of the Roman Empire, when its capital Constantinople is captured by the Ottoman Turks.

Christopher Columbus crosses the Atlantic and reaches the West Indies.