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{{Middle Ages}}

{{Middle Ages}}

The '''Early Middle Ages''' is a period in [[Europe]]an and Mediterranean history that falls between the fall of the [[Roman Empire]] and the [[High Middle Ages]].  However, assigning specific dates to the period is controversial and moreover implies a lack of continuity.  For the purposes of this article, we will begin the period with the death of the last Roman Emperor in the West, [[Romulus Augustulus]], even though this event in and of itself did not represent a significant political change.  Likewise, defining an end to the Early Middle Ages is problematic, but the date AD 1000 serves as a convenient point.

The '''Early Middle Ages''' is a period in [[Europe]]an and Mediterranean history that falls between the fall of the [[Roman Empire]] and the [[High Middle Ages]].  However, assigning specific dates to the period is controversial and moreover implies a lack of continuity.  For the purposes of this article, we will begin the period with the death of the last Roman Emperor in the West, [[Romulus Augustulus]], even though this event in and of itself did not represent a significant political change.  Likewise, defining an end to the Early Middle Ages is problematic, but the date AD 1000 serves as a convenient point.

The period in general may be characterized as generally chaotic and a decline from the achievements of the Roman Empire.  Cities dwindled in population, armed bands operated with impunity in many areas throughout much of the period, and culture, learning and civilization almost disappeared completely in many places where the Romans had introduced it.  One effect of this is that our written historical sources for the period are extremely few in number, while very few buildings exist that were built in the period.

The period in general may be characterized as generally chaotic and a decline from the achievements of the Roman Empire.  Cities dwindled in population, armed bands operated with impunity in many areas throughout much of the period, and culture, learning and civilization almost disappeared completely in many places where the Romans had introduced it.  One effect of this is that our written historical sources for the period are extremely few in number, while very few buildings exist that were built in the period.

Nevertheless, there were significant achievements as well, most importantly the spread of [[Christianity]] well beyond the borders of the old Roman Empire and indeed to the farthest reaches of Europe.  In the East, the [[Byzantine Empire]], the successor to the Roman Empire was still a force to be reckoned with, and also provided the primary defense against the spread of [[Islam]] in Europe.  In the West, the Church was instrumental in helping preserve education and learning.  Influential churchmen and scholars such as [[Gregory of Tours]], the Venerable [[Bede]], and [[Einhard]] recorded histories for us, while there were significant early developments in Christian [[theology]] from such men as Pope [[Gregory the Great]] and [[Isidore of Seville]].   

Nevertheless, there were significant achievements as well, most importantly the spread of Christianity well beyond the borders of the old Roman Empire and indeed to the farthest reaches of Europe.  In the East, the [[Byzantine Empire]], the successor to the Roman Empire was still a force to be reckoned with, and also provided the primary defense against the spread of [[Islam]] in Europe.  In the West, the Church was instrumental in helping preserve education and learning.  Influential churchmen and scholars such as [[Gregory of Tours]], the Venerable [[Bede]], and [[Einhard]] recorded histories for us, while there were significant early developments in Christian [[theology]] from such men as Pope [[Gregory the Great]] and [[Isidore of Seville]].   

And while the age mostly did not produce the immense architectural monuments of the High Middle Ages and later, beautiful artworks, mostly portable, still survive from the era, including the [[Book of Kells]] and the treasures of [[Sutton Hoo]].

And while the age mostly did not produce the immense architectural monuments of the High Middle Ages and later, beautiful artworks, mostly portable, still survive from the era, including the [[Book of Kells]] and the treasures of [[Sutton Hoo]].