The Dark Ages
What were the Dark Ages? And why have today’s historians stopped using this terminology? Use these materials to help students unravel the mystery and reveal the true complexity and dynamism of the period between the fall of Rome and the rise of the Renaissance.
Featured Materials
The Fall of Rome
The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE, but we’re not sure why. Despite evidence of events leading up to the fall, historians still debate what the evidence means.
The “Dark Ages” Debate
Images in popular culture often refer to Europe during the Middle Ages as a “dark” time period, but scholars debate the idea of the “Dark Ages.”
Was There Ever a ‘Dark Age’?
Were there historical periods when innovation slowed dramatically or completely stopped? Some have made a case for a “dark age” in Europe during this era—but is it convincing?
Naming This Time Period
Some historians came up with the periodization “Dark Ages”. Tell us if they were wrong and come up with a better name.
Christendom
The fall of the Roman Empire saw the rise of two Christian communities: Byzantium and Latin Christendom. They shared some cultural values but had different power structures.
Spread of Buddhism and Christianity Thematic Map
A full-color thematic map of the Spread of Buddhism and Christianity in 100 CE, meant to help you support, extend, and challenge the frame narratives.
Comparison – Women in Medieval Europe and Song China
Compare the lives and public roles of women in Medieval Europe and Song China. By zooming in and comparing their lives, we can better understand how societies treated women.
Medieval Women in Western Europe, c. 1000–1350 CE
Women in Medieval Europe were compared to Biblical figures like Eve and the Virgin Mary when it came to their moral and vocational roles in society.
Women in the Song Dynasty of China, 960–1279 CE
During the early period of the Song Dynasty, women had legal, property, and inheritance rights. But women’s rights were curtailed with the rise of Neo-Confucianism.
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