In what ways were the Dark Ages dark? Explain.
The Dark Ages are referred to the early middle ages about the 5th century AD (Anno Domini). Some attribute the beginning of the Dark Ages with the attack and sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD, some with the death of St. Augustine in 430 AD and some with the fall of the last Roman Emperor in 476 AD.
It was during this time period (5th century) that the vast amount of literary resources of the ancient Greek and Roman civilization were lost. It was for many centuries that the work of a Roman noble Boethius known as “The Consolation of Philosophy” stood proof to the glorious time and philosophies of Plato and Aristotle.
The Dark Ages concept was developed by an Italian scholar called Petrarch in the 1330’s. He referred to the time period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the High Middle Ages as the Dark Ages, that is, the time between 5-6th century to 11-13th century.
The Dark Ages were really “Dark” because of the following:
1. There was total lawlessness throughout most of Europe. Roman reign had collapsed and along with it, the Roman law of society perished. During these centuries, local or Germanic customs prevailed from towns to villages, with each village armed against possible attacks from surrounding villages or foreign enemies.
2. Some scholars argued that there was lack of proper education among the common masses with only some priests, monks and the noble people getting education. They give the logic that with villagers armed up to prevent an enemy strike throughout the year, how and when they will teach their children. However, this a simplified generalized logic.
3. There was little progress is Literature, Arts, Science, and Philosophy. Along with this, the Church became highly powerful and was often charged with the mistreatment of civilians. People were thought to be believers or heretics, and the heretics were dealt with very harshly. The Church also became corrupt, owning vast properties, controlling kings and running large businesses even organized prostitution.
4. The Dark Ages were a period of rampant corruption, social insecurity and fear of lives. This period of lawlessness ended by the 11-12th century, which was known as the High Middle Age.