In its historical sense, the term usually refers to the Middle Ages and to the Early Modern period during which the Christian world represented a geopolitical power that was juxtaposed with both the pagan and especially the Muslim world.
Dalam esensi sejarah, istilah tersebut merujuk kepada Abad Pertengahan dan periode Modern awal, pada masa dunia Kristen mewakili kekuasaan geopolitik yang bersanding dengan pagan dan secara khusus dunia Muslim.