Dark Ages

The Dark Ages was a historical period of time in Ancient Europe that lasted for a few centuries.

The end date varied between areas. For example, in England it began with the withdrawal of the Romans in 410 and is considered to end with the Norman Conquest in 1066. In Israel, it began with the Arab invasion in the 7th century and ended with the large-scale Jewish immigration of the 15th century. Its name arises from the fact that during this time, there were low rates of literacy and most people believed in superstitions. Combined with constant upheaval and warfare, the result is that this period is far less well-documented than earlier centuries.

During the Dark Ages there was disease and famine, and the population in Europe dropped. Roman aqueducts, roads, and bridges crumbled. Technologies were lost. Some, like Roman concrete, still haven't fully been rediscovered. The Vikings were one of the few civilizations to do well during this time period, and they developed shipbuilding technology that enabled them to go long distances and establish colonies around Europe.

The Dark Ages began with the fall of the Roman Empire and barbarian invasions.

Some consider the end of the Dark Ages to be the Renaissance (or rebirth), beginning in the 14th century in northern Italy, though there were glimmers of improvement far before this such as with Charlemagne's empire in France and Germany. The Byzantine Empire never really entered the Dark Ages.