Early Middle Ages

The Early Middle Ages (or early medieval period), sometimes controversially referred to as the Dark Ages, is typically regarded by historians as lasting from the late 5th to the 10th century. They marked the start of the Middle Ages of European history, following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, and preceding the High Middle Ages (c. 11th to 14th centuries). This time was important because it showed how Europe changed after the big empire fell apart.

During this period, many things changed. Cities had fewer people, and trade became less common. In some places, temperatures got a little warmer. People from different places moved around a lot. The Byzantine Empire carried on the traditions of the old Roman Empire, but new powers like the Rashidun Caliphate and the Umayyad Caliphate took over some lands.

Later in the Early Middle Ages, things began to improve. In the year 800, a leader named Charlemagne became an Emperor. His Carolingian Empire had a big effect on Europe for many years to come. People started farming in new ways, using methods like three-field planting and the heavy plough. Although many groups had moved around, things settled down — except in Northern Europe, where the Viking expansion brought new changes.

History

Collapse of Rome

Main article: Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Starting in the 2nd century, Roman civilization began to decline. This included changes in cities, trade, and the number of people. By the 3rd century, groups from northern Europe moved into Roman lands, creating new kingdoms.

The Roman army, once strong, became weaker as it relied more on soldiers from other groups. This made it hard to defend the empire. In time, new leaders from these groups took control, and the Western Roman Empire came to an end.

Migration Period

Main articles: Migration Period, Germanic kingship, and Early Slavs

As the Western Roman Empire fell, many groups of people moved into its lands. Some of these groups had been in contact with Roman culture and changed to fit in, while others lived only for fighting and taking things. This movement changed the way people lived, including their laws, culture, and religion.

Life became more local, with people depending on their nearby leaders instead of distant Roman rulers. Trade and big cities shrank, and many people could no longer read or write. The Eastern Roman Empire, also called the Byzantine Empire, kept some Roman ways alive.

Eastern Roman Empire

Main article: Eastern Roman Empire

The Eastern Roman Empire, later called the Byzantine Empire, tried to keep control of important trade routes. Under Emperor Justinian, they brought back some Western lands and made new laws. However, a big sickness spread through the empire, killing many people.

Later leaders faced attacks from new groups and had to make new rules to keep their land safe. Even so, Constantinople stayed a rich and busy city. Leaders from northern groups looked to Constantinople for knowledge and help.

Rise of Islam

From the 7th century, the rise of new beliefs changed Byzantine history a lot. Leaders from Arabia took over many lands that had once belonged to Rome and Persia. They moved into Europe too, but were stopped by leaders like Charles Martel.

Birth of the Latin West

Main article: Barbarian kingdoms

After the Roman Empire fell, new groups began to build their own ways of living. In places like France and Italy, leaders started to create systems where people promised to help each other in return for protection. This was the start of a new way of life called feudalism.

Viking Age

Main article: Viking Age

During the Viking Age, people from Scandinavia traveled and traded far and wide. They visited places in Europe, Asia, Africa, and even North America. They were known for their ships and their skills in navigating the seas.

Eastern Europe

Main articles: Slavic migrations to the Balkans, Great Moravia, Duchy of Croatia, Kingdom of Croatia (925–1102), Principality of Serbia (early medieval), Christianization of the Slavs, Western Turkic Khaganate, Avar Khaganate, Khazar Khaganate, Old Great Bulgaria, and Magyars

Slavic tribes spread into parts of Europe left empty after other groups moved away. They formed new states like Great Moravia and the Duchy of Croatia. These areas became centers where different Christian beliefs met.

The Early Middle Ages saw the start of differences between Western and Eastern Europe. As new groups settled, they brought their own traditions and beliefs, shaping the cultures we see today.

Transmission of learning

Main article: Carolingian Renaissance

When the Western Roman Empire ended, cities grew smaller, and fewer people could read or write. Schools moved from cities to monasteries and cathedrals, where monks taught mainly about the Bible. In some places like Italy and Spain, people kept learning more like before. Later, learning grew again in places like Ireland. In the 8th century, a leader named Charlemagne wanted people to learn more about the classics, so he started schools across his empire.

Byzantium, the Eastern Roman Empire, kept up strong learning traditions. They studied grammar, Latin, Greek, and rhetoric, and read classic books. Monasteries became important places for keeping books safe and copying them. In places like Spain, Islamic scholars shared important math ideas with Europe, such as new ways to write numbers.

Christianity West and East

Main article: Christianity in the Middle Ages

Further information: Christianity in the 6th century, Christianity in the 7th century, and Christianity in the 8th century

From the early Christians, medieval Christians inherited a united church with shared beliefs, a set Bible, and strong ideas about faith. During the Early Middle Ages, the church was mostly made up of monasteries, which were independent from local rulers. The power of the Pope was limited, mainly affecting central Italy. Most people practiced their faith by attending occasional services led by traveling monks.

The Early Middle Ages saw the growing divide between Eastern and Western Christianity, which later led to a big split in the 11th century. In the West, the Bishop of Rome, or Pope, grew more powerful. Important Popes like Gregory I sent missionaries to convert people in places like the British Isles. In the East, the rise of Islam weakened the power of church leaders.

Europe in 1000

Further information: AD 1000

Many people today think Europeans were worried the world would end in the year 1000, but only a few monks in France really believed this. Most people used regnal years, like counting the years a king ruled, instead of the "anno domini" system we use today.

Western Europe was less developed than places like the Islamic world or China. Big cities like Córdoba in Spain had more people than Rome or Paris. The Vikings traded across northern Europe, and groups like the Radhanites also helped move goods. England faced hard times because of Viking raids, but later became stable again. Many places, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, turned to Christianity, which helped bring peace.

Cities in Italy began to grow again, and places like London, Bruges, and Ghent became important for trade. New ideas and ways of life started to appear, such as towns ruling themselves, the growth of cities, and the first universities. The church also became stronger and more organized during this time. On Christmas Day of 1000, Stephen I became the first king of Hungary, helping to bring stability to the country.

Middle East

Main article: Muslim history

Rise of Islam

Main articles: Spread of Islam, Early Muslim conquests, and Rashidun Caliphate

The rise of Islam began around the time Muhammad and his followers moved from Mecca to the city of Medina. This journey is known as the Hijra. Muhammad led his community in Medina and worked to unite the Arabian region. During his time there, he faced challenges from Meccan leaders and worked to build a strong community.

Islamic expansion

Main article: Umayyad Caliphate

Following Muhammad’s time, Muslim leaders continued to expand their influence. They spread their rule into areas such as Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and parts of North Africa. This expansion changed the shape of many regions and brought new cultures together.

Caliphs and empire

Main articles: Abbasid Caliphate and Islamic Golden Age

The Abbasid Caliphate was a time when Muslim scholars made big advances in science, medicine, and many other areas. They built a new capital in Baghdad and their leaders helped spread knowledge across many lands. Their rule brought a golden age of learning and discovery for the Islamic world.

Timeline

Further information: Timeline of the Middle Ages

The Early Middle Ages, also called the early medieval period, lasted from the late 5th to the 10th century. This time began after the Western Roman Empire ended and led into the High Middle Ages.

During these years, many important events happened. The Visigoths led by Alaric I entered Rome in 410. In 476, Odoacer ended the rule of Romulus Augustus. Important leaders such as Charlemagne and Alfred the Great helped shape the future. The Viking Age began in 793 with raids, and new kingdoms like the First Bulgarian Empire and the Kingdom of Asturias were formed.