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[[File:Med--europe-ethnic.jpg|thumb|400px]]

[[File:Med--europe-ethnic.jpg|thumb|400px]]

Europe was generally chaotic and in a decline from the achievements of the Roman Empire.  Serfdom replaces clavery in the farms, which became increasingly self-suffient as trade fell off.  Governments were weak and taxes were not collected. Cities dwindled in population. Law and order collapsed as armed bands operated with impunity in many areas throughout much of the period. High culture, learning and civilization almost disappeared completely in many places.  Few buildings still exist that were built in the period.

Europe was generally chaotic and in a decline from the achievements of the Roman Empire.  Serfdom replaces slavery in the farms, which became increasingly self-suffient as trade fell off.  Governments were weak and taxes were not collected. Cities dwindled in population. Law and order collapsed as armed bands operated with impunity in many areas throughout much of the period. High culture, learning and civilization almost disappeared completely in many places.  Few buildings still 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]].