Final answer:
The Dark Ages are mistakenly thought to have been a time of simple, thriving societies, but this ignores the periods of turmoil and suffering like the Black Death and warfare, which created a complex and often harsh reality for many.
Step-by-step explanation:
The erroneous thought associated with the Dark Ages is that society thrived with uncomplicated, natural lives. This misconception overlooks the complex challenges and societal structures of the time. Far from being a period of simple, idyllic existence, the Dark Ages were marked by substantial upheaval. The Christian Church played a crucial role in sustaining knowledge through monastic efforts in copying manuscripts. However, events like the Black Death devastated populations, and warfare significantly affected societal stability, challenging the narrative that life was uncomplicated. High-status individuals did exist, but their living standards were not vastly different from others in their village, refuting the notion of a universally thriving society during this time.
Factors such as the Black Death and persistent warfare forced people to migrate in search of more hospitable conditions, showing that the era was fraught with difficulties rather than characterized by a simple, prosperous life for all.