What event is commonly considered the unofficial beginning of the Middle Ages?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire is often viewed as the unofficial beginning of the Middle Ages because it marked a significant transformation in European history. This event, which occurred in 476 AD, led to the collapse of centralized Roman authority and the fragmentation of the Western Roman territories into smaller, often chaotic, kingdoms. The decline of Roman influence resulted in many societal changes, including the shift from a classical civilization to a more decentralized structure characterized by regional powers.

As the Roman institutions and cultural structures crumbled, new systems of governance and social order began to emerge. This period, known as the Dark Ages, saw the rise of local lords and a more agrarian society, which laid the groundwork for feudalism. The impact of this transition was profound, influencing various aspects such as politics, economics, and religion, which would evolve throughout the Middle Ages.

While the rise of feudalism, the development of the Catholic Church, and the formation of the Holy Roman Empire were all important events that occurred during the Middle Ages, they were largely responses to or results of the changes initiated by the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Therefore, it is this event that is historically recognized as the starting point of the medieval period.