Were the Middle Ages really that 'dark'?

This period, known to historians as the Early Middle Ages, is still referred to by most laymen as the Dark Ages. In fact the term “dark ages” is almost as ancient as the period itself – it was coined in the 1330s by Petrarch, the Italian scholar, to refer to the decline of Latin literature. read more

The early Middle Ages are the period usually referred to as the Dark Ages. From 400 until 800 or even 1000 AD travel by individuals or even small groups through France, the Balkans, or the British Isles was extremely difficult and often not successful. read more