The Fall of Ancient Rome to the1600s

Write a paper with your summary and reflections on the flow of history from the fall of ancient Rome to the 1600s.
What are your big-picture observations or insights as you consider the Early Middle Ages, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, and the rise of the modern European states?
Strive for a balanced presentation, giving attention to all of the eras listed above. You may want to compare and contrast two or more of these eras or even these eras and ours today.