The Events that Contributed to The Dark Ages Being Dark

The Dark Ages, when you hear something like that term you would probably think of a bad time. A time that no one wants to think about, and that people assume to be terrible and wrong. But is that really true? I believe that this time was truly a struggle and was dark for the people at this time. But does that mean no good came out of the Dark Ages? Not necessarily.

The term “Dark Ages” was used to describe a time period. An Italian scholar named Petrarch came up with the term in the 1300’s to illustrate what he thought was the collapse in the quality of Latin literature from the period of ancient Greeks and Romans. When the Germanic people conquered the former Roman Empire, which Petrarch (Italian scholar) was loyal to, they eliminated ancient Roman traditions to favor their own. Petrarch believed that the teachings of the ancient Romans and Greek were the peak of human achievement. He considered the era that came after to be dark and chaotic because, to him there were no great leaders present, no scientific accomplishments made and no great artworks produced.

The “Dark Ages” started when the empire fell near 500 AD due from“barbarian” groups like the Goths had encroached beyond the Empire’s borders. The Romans were worn down by a Germanic uprising in the late fourth century. But in 410 the Visigoth King Alaric successfully sacked the city of Rome. The Empire spent the next several decades under constant threat before “The Eternal City” was raided again in 455, this time by the Vandals. In fact, many of the barbarians who sacked the city of Rome and brought down the Western Empire had earned their military stripes while serving in the Roman legions.

Other events that contributed to the “Dark Age” being dark was at this time the black plagued stormed over most of Europe. Causing tragedy and destruction in its path. It started, it was most likely carried by fleas living on the black rats that traveled on all merchant ships, spreading throughout the Mediterranean Basin and Europe. Killing over 50 million people in the 14th century, or 60 percent of Europe's entire population. Tons of families lost their loved ones , and many didn't survive.

Overall, the “Dark Ages” were actually dark. But saying that in the end, the Dark Ages seemed to cast a dark shadow. But provided a brighter pathway to the future. Without going through the “Dark Ages” we may not have made the advances that brought us here today. Just like everything in life you have to learn from your mistakes to really be successful.