The term "Middle Ages" does not refer to the middle of some linear timeline, and it is not related to the idea of the end of the world. Instead, it is a historical periodization used by historians to categorize a specific era in European history. The name "Middle Ages" itself suggests its position between two other periods: the Classical Antiquity (ancient Greco-Roman civilization) and the Renaissance (a period of renewed interest in classical learning and culture).
The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, generally spans from the 5th century to the 15th century, although the exact dates can vary depending on the region and historical context being discussed. It is a time characterized by significant social, cultural, and political changes, including the decline of the Roman Empire, the rise of feudalism, the spread of Christianity, and the emergence of powerful kingdoms and empires across Europe.
The term "Middle Ages" was coined during the Renaissance, when scholars of that time viewed their own period as a "rebirth" of classical learning, marking the end of the perceived "darkness" of the medieval period. They saw the Classical Antiquity as a period of great achievements, and the era in between as an intermediate or "middle" phase.
It's important to note that the name "Middle Ages" is a construct of historical scholarship and is not related to any predictions about the end of the world. The concept of the end of the world is more closely associated with religious beliefs and apocalyptic ideas, which can be found in various cultures throughout history.