The Dark Ages is generally considered to have lasted from around the 5th century to the late 10th or early 11th century, marking a period of significant decline in the Western Roman Empire's influence and the subsequent fragmentation of Europe. This era is often associated with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE and is traditionally viewed as a time of reduced cultural, scientific, and economic progress compared to classical antiquity.

Timeline and Definitions

• Early View: Historically, the Dark Ages spanned approximately from the 5th century (around 410 CE, the sack of Rome) to the 15th century (the Renaissance), a period of about a thousand years, according to older definitions.

• Modern Perspective: Today, most scholars restrict the term to the early medieval period, roughly between 500 and 1000 CE, aligning with the decline of urban centers, literacy, and overall cultural activity following the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

• Cultural Context: The term "Dark Ages" was coined in the 14th century by Petrarch, initially to describe a perceived decline in literature and culture after the fall of Rome. Later, it was extended to describe a broader period of supposed stagnation or decline.

Why is it called the Dark Ages?

The term originated from the idea that this period experienced a decline in intellectual and cultural achievements, a view largely influenced by later historians and critics of the medieval era. However, recent scholarship suggests the term is misleading, as the period also saw important developments, especially in areas like monasticism, art, and local governance.

Summary

• The Dark Ages are typically dated from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE to about 1000 CE, though definitions can vary.

• This period was characterized by widespread instability, decline in urban life, and reduced literacy, although it was also a time of transformation and regional development.
• The term is now viewed as outdated and somewhat inaccurate, with modern historians emphasizing the period's complexity rather than a blanket "darkness".

Thus, depending on the context, the Dark Ages usually refer to roughly the 5th to the 10th century, but modern scholarship encourages a more nuanced understanding of this period.