Decoding the 'Dark Age': A Dialectic Perspective on 500-1500AD Europe

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An Italian scholar in the 1300s named Petrarch described the time period of 500AD to 1500AD a "dark age" for Europe(Movie Talk; Dark Ages). While most historians agree with this term, many debate that the "dark age" was actually a time of growth and prosperity for Europe. The time period of 500AD to 1500AD consisted of many tragic events such as the Crusades and the Black Death but also good events like the opening of new universities and the Magna Carta. The time was mostly a period of growth and prosperity that still affects our world today. The time period of 500AD to 1500AD was a period of decline for Europe also called the 'dark age". Document B states," Europe suffered a decline in trade and manufacturing, in education, in literature and the arts, and in almost all that makes it possible to have a successful civilization". Europe was at a very unstable and chaotic time. Another reason why it was a "dark age" was the Black Death. The Black Death started at 1346 and ended at 1353(Timeline). …show more content…

One event that created a lasting impact was the signing of the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta gave free men rights and reduced the kings power(Document A). Document A states a rule from the Magna Carta," No man shall be forced to preform more service for a knights 'fee' or other free holding of land, that is due from it". Another lasting event was the opening of the first universities. Document E states " Universities introduced a new system of education, eventually replacing the monastery and church schools". Many of the universities built still stand today all around Europe. This shows the lasting impact in education throughout Europe. During this time," Available farmland tripled, and the food supply increased significantly, bringing up the population(Document C)". Europe was prospering more than

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