Dark Ages vs Medieval Ages
The topic of the difference between the Dark Ages and Medieval Ages may be new and intriguing for those not familiar with European history. Both of these terms refer to historical periods in Europe, just as how the Chinese have periods like the Shang Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. The Medieval Ages span from the 5th to the 15th century, whereas the Dark Ages refer to the Early Middle Ages, specifically between 400 AD and 1000 AD. This period is characterized by economic and cultural decline in Europe, falling between the end of the Roman Empire and the High Middle Ages.
Key Takeaways
- The Medieval Ages, or Middle Ages, is the period from the 5th to 15th century (476 AD to 1600 AD) in European history
- Dark Ages is the Early Middle Ages, which is fixed roughly to be from 400 AD to 1000 AD by historians
- Both of these periods belong to European history, and the Medieval Ages is divided into three main parts: Early Middle Ages, High Middle Ages, and Late Middle Ages
What is Medieval Ages?
The Medieval Ages, also known as the Middle Ages, spans from the 5th to the 15th century (476 AD to 1600 AD) in European history. After the death of Charles the Great, the empire he founded did not survive. Its major territories, East and West Francia, eventually became the modern countries of France and Germany. Historians believe that the formation of East Francia represents the Medieval Ages, which is also referred to as Medieval Times. During this period, Renaissance scholarship flourished, and cultural relationships strengthened. It has been found that people during the Medieval Ages were culturally advanced, producing masterpieces in art, literature, science, and medicine. The Medieval Ages ultimately paved the way for the beginning of the Renaissance.
What is Dark Ages?
The Medieval Ages, or the Middle Ages, can be divided into three primary parts: Early Middle Ages, High Middle Ages, and Late Middle Ages. The Dark Ages refers to the Early Middle Ages, which historians roughly fix to be from 400 AD to 1000 AD. The term “Dark Ages” was first coined by Italian scholar Francesco Petrarca, otherwise known as Petrarch. During the Dark Ages, there was a religious struggle between opposing perspectives of Protestants and Catholics. Protestants sought to recreate Christianity, while Catholics viewed this period as a productive era for the spread of Christianity. In fact, Catholics did not consider this period as dark at all. Historians view the Dark Ages as a period characterized by numerous Muslim conquests. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “dark ages” generally refers to a period of supposed unenlightenment.
What is the difference between Dark Ages and Medieval Ages?
- Medieval Ages refer to the period from the 5th to the 15th century, while the Dark Ages is the Early Middle Ages, fixed roughly to be from 400 AD to 1000 AD by historians.
- Both periods belong to European history, and the Medieval Ages is divided into three main parts: Early Middle Ages, High Middle Ages, and Late Middle Ages.
- There was a religious struggle during the Dark Ages, while the rest of the Medieval Ages was more productive, with developments in arts, medicine, and culture towards the end of the period.
- The growth in the power of the Church during the Medieval Ages is a significant fact.
- The term “dark ages” carries the meaning of “a period of supposed unenlightenment.”
