The Dark Ages, often marked by social and economic decline after the fall of the Roman Empire, spanned approximately from the 5th to the 10th century. This period saw reduced cultural activity, widespread illiteracy, and the fragmentation of territories. Yet, it also laid the foundations for the emergence of medieval Europe and future transformations.
:focal(700x527:701x528)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/52/0d/520db672-f2b0-4d43-a90a-505dda1daf0b/west.jpg)
