Ivan Gobry distinguishes the Early middle ages (of the VI ^E with X ^E century), during which the people move as well as the borders. It is also the period of expansion of the Francs, with the apogee of the empire of Charlemagne (800-814).

Then arrive the recent Middle Ages (X ^E to the XV ^E century) during which take place Reconquista in Spain, the constitution then the collapse of the State Plantagenêt and the assertion of the dynasty capétienne.