Early Middle Ages (Fall of the Western Roman Empire)

The Early Middle Ages, often marked by the fall of the Western Roman Empire around 476 AD, was a transformative period in European history. It followed the collapse of centralized Roman authority, leading to the fragmentation of territories and the rise of various tribes and local rulers. This era, sometimes referred to as the "Dark Ages," saw a decline in trade, urban life, and literacy. However, it also laid the foundations for future developments, as Christianity spread, new cultures emerged, and the seeds of feudalism began to establish a new social and political order.