Early Middle Ages
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The Early Middle Ages was a period of European history spanning from the 5th to the 10th century, marked by the fall of the Roman Empire and significant social and political change. This era matters because it laid the foundation for medieval European civilization, including the development of feudalism, the spread of Christianity, and the emergence of new kingdoms that would shape the continent's future.
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LocationEurope Key eventsFall of the Western Roman Empire Migration Period Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula Viking expansion Hungarian invasions Holy Roman Empire
The Early Middle Ages (or early medieval period), sometimes controversially referred to as the Dark Ages, is typically regarded by historians as lasting from the late 5th to the 10th century. They marked the start of the Middle Ages of European history, following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, and preceding the High Middle Ages (c. 11th to 14th centuries). The alternative term late antiquity, for the early part of the period, emphasizes elements of continuity with the Roman Empire, while Early Middle Ages is used to emphasize developments characteristic of the earlier medieval period.