The Dark Age in History

The Dark Age in history is situated in the early part of the Medieval period, spanning from 476 BC, the common known date of the last Roman emperor Romulus Augustulus up to 1000 AD. This period in history constituted the transition period between the fall of Rome and the rise of Catholicism, which was the foremost cradle of knowledge during those times. The Dark Ages is often interpreted as a period of decline and backwardness since the fall of the mighty Roman Empire at the hands of barbaric tribes from Europe and Asia contributed to the 'dark' or inward behavior of society at that time.

The fall of Rome became a regressive effect upon the development of society during that time. From a highly-civilized, politically influential and powerful empire, Rome became its own enemy. The distant provinces were left uncared for because of its distance from the capital caused neglect on the part of government officials, contributing to the chaos that brought the empire crashing down. In a political perspective, “the Romans conquered the world with their principles to fit an empire, and the new principles destroyed it” (Bishop 8).

Rome became indulged on its own power that it was unable to monitor its vast empire which caused political turmoil as well as instability with economic trading between the Roman provinces. In addition, the warring societal classes and disputes on slavery caused stagnation in resources. On the other hand, the fall of Rome also gave rise to Catholicism in Europe. The triumph of Catholicism was assured by the conversion of Emperor Constantine in 312 AD. “Before his battle ath the Milivian Bridge in rome, he saw in the sky a blazing words, in Greek: 'By this, conquer.

'He vowed that if he should win the battle for control of the empire, he would become a Christian. Indeed he won, and indeed he became a Christian” (Bishop 10). The western world welcomed Christianity with open arms because of its ethics, universal appeal and a promise of immortal redemption. The success of the faith determined the efficiency of the Church as an organization. Like the Roman Empire, the church was divided into provinces with bishops as administrators. Contrary to the meaning of ‘dark ages’, the Holy Catholic Church became the icon in these depressing times in history.

The church provided scholastic education, emphasizing on the last age’s languages like Latin and Greek. Students read classic works from philosophers and rhetorics and wrote by imitating their style. However, the Catholic Church was also marred by disputes and issues such as the strict implementation of Christianity as the only acceptable religion in society. Paganism and other forms of religion were persecuted under the name of the Church. From a firm political model of Ancient Greece and Rome, the foremost pervading political system during the Medieval times were centered on feudalism.This involved vast manors and lands passed down by generation or otherwise granted by royalty became in possession of lords.

These lords, in turn, grant a part of their lands or fiefs to vassals or loyal subjects who, in turn, provide military services against attacks from rival clans or families. The military power is embodied by the knight, soldiers who don heavy metal armor for the protection of their bodies against swords and spears. However, maintaining an army of knights were very expensive, since the lords are required to provide the knights a large share of the land.Thus, the term feud derives from this political system wherein there is a squabble between persons for a piece of land or property. Feudalism gave emphasis on a permanent social structure where every individual knows what role to do in society. Also, the individuals are forever indebted to lords who provide lands for them.

The 'dark age' is categorized as a period of slow development in society, though the term does not necessarily apply in the intellectual movement. Since the fall of Rome, society remained in shambles as there were no standardized laws or forms of government to guide human behavior.Most civilizations then were still recuperating from barbaric invasions which in turn led to the formation of feudalism. This rather crude political system focused on a symbiotic relationship between lord and vassal where the lord provides the land and the vassals provide protection, loyalty, and resources. However, the lords still have the advantage over the relationship since they only provide the land while the vassals work for the manor's income and production rate.

Vassals and peasants enjoy a simple rustic life while lords and kings drench themselves in the splendor of their riches. Also, the Catholic Church became the only institution during those times. They provided enlightenment and education through the scriptures and a review of classic philosophical writings. However, the good name of the church was highly abused by their officials themselves, as they asked for indulgences which grant forgiveness of since through a certain amount of money.In conclusion, the dark or 'middle' age was merely a transitional period between ancient civilization, the Reformation, and the Renaissance.

Society and culture was left in confusion after numerous barbaric invasions and the decline of the Roman Empire. The period's darkness is quantified through the lack of specific functions of societal rule and laws. Thus, civilization capitalized on feudalism, the use of crude methods in acquiring property, dominance, and power.