DBQ Middle Ages

The Middle Ages are sometimes referred to as the Dark ages, and rightfully so. “… the culture of the Europeans lagged behind that of neighbors such as Byzantium and the Islamic world for most of the time.” (John McCannon, PhD). They were steps behind the Islamic world, and in some cases were considered to be barbarians. Europe was a very backwards society. One group of documents— #1 and #3—provide examples of Europe being referred to as the ‘Dark Ages.’ Document 1 states that barbarians have sacked towns and villages, laid waste t

o the fields, and burned down the churches. All trade has ceased, and the people have gone to cower in forests or have taken refuge in the high mountains. People would live in fear of their lives and could not trust anyone. According to document 3, there is great slaughter and the Vikings have plundered and burned down the towns. During this time invasions were eternal and bad health was inevitable. The end of the world was thought to have come. The invasions, backwardness of European society, and the Bubonic Plague came to represent the ‘Dark Ages.’

Another label for the Middle Ages can be the ‘Golden Age of Europe.’ During the late Middle Ages a growth of scientific and philosophical knowledge began to occur. There was an increase in attention to art and architecture. Europe started to move forward in terms of intellect and culture. The ‘Golden Age of Europe’ is well exemplified in documents 6, 7, and 10. “… we learn that an age once traditionally described as ‘dark’ had remarkable vitality and exuberance. … but even more it was creative and inventive, and transmitted to later ages great riches of its

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