The Dark Ages

At its height in the second century A.D., the Roman Empire was the beacon of learning, trade, power and prosperity in the western world. But success eventually spoils. That Empire--rotten to the core by the fifth century--lay open to barbarian warriors who came in wave after wave of invasion--slaughtering, stealing, and ultimately, settling. As chaos replaced culture, Europe was beset by famine, plague, persecutions, and a state of war that was so persistent it was only rarely interrupted by peace.




War would become so routine that it had a season. Every summer, warlords with names like Alaric, Clovis, and Charles the Hammer would ride out with the full force of their armies to slaughter their rivals and plunder their territories. For centuries, the entire continent was consumed in a chaotic free-for-all, as ambitious and bloodthirsty barbarians sought to build their own empires over the ashes of Rome's. These centuries, dominated as they were by both natural and manmade forces of evil, are remembered today as the Dark Ages.

But beneath this cloak of darkness were scattered rays of light--men and women who valiantly tended the flames of justice, knowledge, and innovation amidst a perfect storm of disarray. It was these brave souls--people like Charlemagne, St. Benedict and the Empress Theodora--who bridged the gap of civilization between Rome and the Renaissance. It was in the shadows of that turbulent millennium in between that the seeds of modern civilization were sown.

Ultimately, these points of light would illuminate the darkness, and Western Europe would rise from the Dark Ages to a level of cultural and political power unseen for a thousand years.

A production of KPI for The History Channel. Premieres March 4, 2007 at 9pm.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• dark
• ages
• documentary
• history
• channel
• kpi
• plague
• chaos
• war
• charlemagne

[TheImperialEagle]

@mogh07 Finally! Someone with some good sense that doesn't worship the pro-Roman bias of our world! You are absolutely correct.

[mogh07]

The Dark Ages only existed in the viewpoint of Roman historians. If China conquered the USA right now, American historians would consider it a 'Dark Ages, but would the Chinese?

Since the Early Middle Ages centred around the Germanic peoples not the Romans, it's wrong to refer to the period as 'Dark Ages' in Europe at all.

Jeez, movies like this only serve to mis-educate foolish impressionable people.

[michiman57]

the dark ages were cause by religion, specifically christianity. christianity set back human advancements by hundreds of years. even today religion doesnt seem to accept reason and is slowing down the advancement of knowledge. if it wasnt for religion, we would be exploring space right now.

[polishguy994]

@MrSwampdragon You misinterpreted the meaning of the verse. Jesus only permitted his disciples to carry swords in order for him to appear to be a criminal, so that the crucifixion would take place and the prophecy would be fulfilled and Jesus would die for humanities sins. Jesus chastised peter when peter drew his sword and attacked the high priest's servant, Jesus taught nonviolence.

[MrSwampdragon]

@newgeorge In Luke 22

36 He said to them, "But now the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.

[newgeorge]

@MrSwampdragon When did he do that?

[chase82]

mogh07 gets it!!!

[MrSwampdragon]

@bluebunny61 Why did Jesus tell people to sell their garments and buy a sword then? lol.........

[mrmagicroundcircle]

@KeshnerfFilms he doesnt say what he believes in Could be a trappist monk for all you know.

[KeshnerfFilms]

@mrmagicroundcircle Threaten him with something he doesn't believe in. Very original. It's like me saying "Well one day you are going to find out that Cthulhu is ruler and you will suffer." It's a dumb comeback that never stands its grounds.