Early Middle Ages

Quick Facts: Who was Early Middle Ages?

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Early Middle Ages

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The era spanning from the late 5th to the 10th century, following the Western Roman Empire's decline.

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Origins & Early Life

The Early Middle Ages (or early medieval period), sometimes controversially referred to as the Dark Ages, is typically regarded by historians as lasting from the late 5th to the 10th century. They marked the start of the Middle Ages of European history, following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, and preceding the High Middle Ages (c. 11th to 14th centuries). The alternative term late antiquity, for the early part of the period, emphasizes elements of continuity with the Roman Empire, while Early Middle Ages is used to emphasize developments characteristic of the earlier medieval period. The period saw a continuation of trends evident since late classical antiquity, including population decline, especially in urban centres, a decline of trade and increased migration. In the 19th century the Early Middle Ages were often labelled the Dark Ages, a characterization based on the relative scarcity of literary and cultural output from this time.

Career & Major Achievements

The term is rarely used by academics today. The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, survived, though in the 7th century the Rashidun Caliphate and the Umayyad Caliphate conquered the southern part of the Roman territory. Many of the listed trends reversed later in the period. In 800, the title of Emperor was revived in Western Europe with Charlemagne, whose Carolingian Empire greatly affected later European social structure, arts, culture, and history. Europe experienced a return to systematic agriculture in the form of the feudal system, which adopted such innovations as three-field planting and the heavy plough.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Barbarian migration stabilized in much of Europe, although the Viking expansion greatly affected Northern Europe. Starting in the 2nd century, various indicators of Roman civilization began to decline, including urbanization, seaborne commerce, and population. Archaeologists have identified only 40 percent as many Mediterranean shipwrecks from the 3rd century as from the first. Estimates of the population of the Roman Empire during the period from 150 to 400 suggest a fall from 65 million to 50 million, a decline of more than 20 percent. Some scholars have connected this de-population to the Dark Ages Cold Period (300–700), when a decrease in global temperatures impaired agricultural yields.

Notable Quotes by Early Middle Ages

“The Romans, who so coolly and so concisely mention the acts of justice which were exercised by the legions, reserve their compassion and their eloquence for their own sufferings, when the provinces were invaded and desolated by the arms of the successful Barbarians.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Early Middle Ages

True or False: “The term 'Dark Ages' was used by modern historians to describe the Early Middle Ages due to a complete lack of written records.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The label 'Dark Ages' originated in the 19th century based on the relative scarcity of literary output, not an actual absence of records.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Early modern period — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A transformative era (c. 1500–1800) marked by globalization, revolution, and scientific upheaval.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Early Middle Ages