Final answer:
The Middle Ages, or Dark Ages, was a period in European history marked by political, social, and economic challenges. This period saw the decline of centralized power, the rise of feudalism, and the devastating impact of the Black Death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Middle Ages, also known as the Dark Ages, was a period in European history that lasted from the 5th to the 15th centuries. It began with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and was marked by political turmoil, military conflicts, disease, famine, and social and economic challenges. This period saw the decline of centralized power and the rise of feudalism, with powerful lords and knights providing protection in exchange for loyalty and labor.
One major event during the Middle Ages was the Black Death, a devastating plague that killed approximately a third of the European population in the 14th century. The Church also experienced controversies and divisions, and there were peasant revolts and warfare between states. Despite these difficulties, there were also cultural and technological developments that transformed European society.