The collapse of Rome in the late fifth century ushered in a roughly 1,000-year period
(500 C.E.–1450 C.E.) known as the Middle Ages. This time is also known as the
medieval period, from the Latin words medium (middle) and aevum (age). The early part
of the Middle Ages is often referred to as the Dark Ages.
During the Roman Empire, the Roman government united its many different conquered
lands under one government. This government had a highly developed system of
government and laws that were applied to all people in the Empire. The Roman
government believed that the Empire was more important than individuals. Romans
emphasized learning and scholarly works. Cities and towns developed into centres for
learning and trade. The Empire also had a sophisticated network of roads which helped
to spread the goods throughout its vast empire. To help make trade easier, Rome
established a standardized currency throughout its empire.
After the fall of Rome, the political structure and culture changed greatly in Europe. The
many different barbarian tribes established their kingdoms throughout Europe.
These groups tended to live in small communities that were independent of each other.
They maintained order through traditions and unwritten laws. As a result, they did not
develop large governments or trading systems. Most of these invading tribes did not
focus on education. Therefore, most schools ceased to exist. Eventually, few people
could read or write.
During this time of disorder and chaos, many people left the cities and towns due to fear
of warring kingdoms and thieving tribes. They sought protection from wealthy
landowners. These landowners needed people to take care of their crops. So, protection
was given in exchange for work. Few people left the large estates, or manors, of the
landowners, so trading decreased. These manors were self-sufficient. This means that
people found all that they needed on the estate. Millers ground wheat into flour, clergy
held church services, craftsmen, bakers, tailors, and others all worked on the manor.
Cities and towns became less important because they had fewer businesses, and money
wasn’t needed as much. People bartered, or traded one thing for another, to get
needed goods and services. Because people did not trade or travel much, there was less
cultural contact. They shared fewer ideas and learned less and less. Europeans forgot many of the Greek and Roman ideas.