The Dark Ages: The Early Middle Ages

As previously mentioned, historians regarded the Early Middle Ages as the Dark Ages by because not much was recorded over this time period. However, what made the Early Middle Ages remarkable was what appeared as a slow-moving but diverse development and growth of the society and the economy, despite all the social, religious, and political tensions. As enlightened leaders took control, social and cultural changes were sure to follow. For example, as noted earlier, the economic changes started by Charlemagne increased trade and as trade increased, larger cities developed. As these cities grew and new towns emerged, the growth caused new tensions within social classes as progressive changes “disrupted the established social patterns of medieval society [where] traditional [rural] communities were organized in a hierarchy” (Guisepi, 2004, p. 2).

Nevertheless, one could argue that

Prior to the Middle Ages, Rome was regarded as being one of the most powerful and influential countries in the world. However, the fall of Rome appeared to release the stranglehold the empire had over the development of these nations and ushered in a new era. In fact, the fall appeared to give way to the rise of people previously regarded as uncivilized and barbaric such as the Franks and their greatest king, Charlemagne. Although the name Dark Ages may conjure up images of a time of decline and stagnation in development, this is not a completely accurate picture. Despite the social, religious, and political upheaval during the time, it can be argued that the Early Middle Age was indeed a time of enlightenment which effected changes that forever altered the direction of Europe; albeit it a slow-moving process due to the lack of modern