The Dark Ages refer to the early medieval period of European history that began with the fall of the Roman Empire. As the Encyclopedia Britannica sums up: Specifically, the term refers to the time (476-800) when there was no Roman (or Holy Roman) emperor in the West; or, more generally, to the period between about 500 and 1000, which was marked by frequent warfare and a virtual disappearance of urban life. Not much is known about this time period, other than the "frequent warfare" bit. Indeed, there was fighting and plundering galore during the Dark Ages, as dozens of roaming barbarian hordes (Goths, Huns, Vandals, Franks, etc.) competed for land and
riches. As the Dark Age Web puts it, this was a "period of defeat, migration and conquest known as the Völkerwanderung - the 'Wandering of the Peoples'." A note of caution -- much like "The Third World," many people view the phrase "Dark Ages" as pejorative. Others object, insisting that the phrase simply refers to the lack of historical knowledge about the period. Nonetheless, the phrase has fallen out of favor. Alternative names for this period include "Early Medieval" and "Late Antiquity." So don't say we didn't give you fair warning.
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