The Greatest Period TV Shows Set in Medieval Times

The Medieval era spans a whopping thousand years, from the 5th to the 15th century. Appropriately also called the Middle Ages, it's a giant span of time between the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. Television shows set in the Middle Ages have lots of themes to play with, including Vikings, knights, magic, and dragons.

The best medieval TV shows seem to have a fondness for King Arthur's court, multiple Robin Hood adaptations and the appearance of Merlin as a main or side character. Although some shows set in the Middle Ages play the idea of knights and Vikings for laughs or fun, most series seem to embrace what the Medieval era used to be called: The Dark Ages. Treachery, battles and lots of gloom, shows such as The Last Kingdom and Marco Polo examine the ferocity with which the world reclaimed territory after the fall of the Romans.

Which of these top TV shows set in the Middle Ages are the best? Vote up your choices for the best shows set in the Middle Ages, and see where your favorite Medieval shows rank.

And if you like these shows, check out our list of the best Renaissance movies.