The Dark Ages

The Dark Ages is a name for the time after the Roman Empire fell. It began around the year 500 and lasted about 500 years. People long ago thought life was hard and there was little learning during this time. That is why they called it 'dark.' Today, we call it the Early Middle Ages, because life was not as dark as people thought.

After Rome Fell

The Roman Empire was huge and strong, but it broke apart. Cities got smaller, and roads were not fixed. Many people moved to the country to farm. Small kingdoms took over where Rome used to rule. Life changed for everyone in Europe.

Not So Dark After All

People in the Early Middle Ages still did amazing things. Monks copied old books by hand to save them. New tools helped farmers grow more food. Great leaders like Charlemagne built schools and churches. There was more learning than people once thought.

Fun Facts

• Vikings from the north explored and traded during this time.
• Monks drew beautiful pictures in books called illuminated manuscripts.
• Most people never traveled far from their home village.

Did You Know?

Many historians today do not like the name 'Dark Ages' because it is not fair to the time.