Early Medieval Europe

Early medieval Europe, often called the Dark Ages (roughly 500-1000 AD), followed the fall of the Roman Empire. It was characterized by political fragmentation, with kingdoms led by local lords. The influence of the Catholic Church grew as it became a unifying force amid instability. This era saw a decline in trade and urban life, with society largely agrarian. It was also a time of cultural and intellectual stagnation, but the foundations for future growth were laid, including the establishment of feudalism, the rise of monarchies, and the spread of Christianity, setting the stage for the later medieval period.