1090    In Southern France, Troubadours began traveling from court to court, performing songs and poems about courtly love and knighthood. Jongleurs, the itinerant professionals of the time, assisted troubadours. The Troubadours left 2600 poems and 275 melodies.

1095   Chanson de Roland, the oldest and most important song of deeds was composed

First crusade was proclaimed by Pope Urban II. Many songs of Troubadours and Trouveres dealt with the Crusades.

William, Duke of Guienne, one of the earliest Troubadours, joined the first Crusade

1100    The songs of the troubadours received strong impetus as a result of the new desire for intellectual pursuits.

The earliest known written music for guitars (popular in Europe at this time) was written by the Troubadours.

1100    Bagpipes become known (and probably abhored by many:) in England

            Popular music is performed almost exclusively by nomadic musicians

            The French Rondeau in its oldest form was a song sung while performing a round dance. Hence, its name

1066     William the Conqueror invades England and claims the English throne at the  Battle of Hastings

                                    Bayeux Tapestry

1199   King Richard the Lion-hearted of England, a leading trouvere, died

1200 Wandering musicians settled down in communities and later acquired official recognition as town pipers who performed at various municipal ceremonies

1209-1229 Albigensian Crusade led to the decline of troubadours

1100 Polynesian Islands Colonized

1199 King Richard the Lion-hearted of England, a leading trouvere, died

1200 Wandering musicians settled down in communities and later acquired official recognition as town pipers who performed at various municipal ceremonies

1169    Ibn-Rushd begins translating Aristotle's works

1180    Phillip II became the Capetian king—sets up Paris as the capital and he built up a large body of government officials comprised of middle class men

1150–1167 Universities of Paris and Oxford founded in France and England

1161     Explosives are used in China at the Battle of Ts'ai-shih

1080     Order of the Hospital of St. John founded in Italy

1209-1229 Albigensian Crusade led to the decline of troubadours

1286 Adam de la Halle, one of the last troubadours dies

1215    Magna Carta (England)

1252    Gold currencies introduced in Florence and Genoa

1280     Eyeglasses are invented and later improved in the late medieval period