Following the collapse and decline of the once great institutions of the Roman Empire, the Europeans entered a period known as the Medieval Ages. This era was characterized by a lack of historical knowledge, with Europeans losing touch with fundamental concepts such as writing, economy, culture, and government, which are essential for civilization. The state of Europe during this time was chaotic, unlike other periods of human history that I have studied. These previous periods shared similarities that allowed me to make conclusions about the conditions of those times. Texts provided order in understanding the progression of European history, connecting the ancient with the modern and explaining the remnants of civilization that persisted throughout the dark times. The dark ages didn’t suddenly dominate like a switch being flipped or a result of Rome being sacked by Alaric or any other German Chief. It was not caused by a single force, such as struggles with the Germans, the incompetence of Roman Emperors, or political breakdowns. It was a combination of all these influences and more, strangling social institutions and their stability. Stability is necessary for security, and both are vital for promoting profitable economic activity.The society in the western Roman Empire had gradually transformed into a subsistence plantation society, resembling the American antebellum southern society of the 19th century. Over time, government institutions and economic markets declined, while the majority of the population became enslaved. Even when the Germans arrived, they found minimal civilization beyond the aristocracy to destroy in the region.
Rome had transformed into a morally bankrupt political hub, leading to certain demise for anyone ascending to the position of Emperor. Consequently, only the most inept individuals were willing to take up this role – the most unskilled ever witnessed by the empire.
During the dominance of the Germans in Western Europe, there was a significant absence of academics and literacy. Consequently, the historical record during this period is unclear. The primary source of knowledge at this time was the church and its scribe monks. However, it is important to note that their interpretation of events was influenced by their religious perspective. As a result, the church quickly took control in the absence of a European political authority. Churches and monasteries served as the main centers for knowledge, trade, and community. Over time, a local reorganization of the political system took place through feudalism. This form of governance was cost-effective, locally-based, and efficient. It primarily provided order and protection against invading barbarians by establishing lord and vassal military relationships for defense. In terms of the economy, the majority of individuals were serfs tied to their land, while lords had ownership over courts of justice.
This new stability provided an opportunity for individuals with foresight to establish the first semblances of a state since ancient Rome. However, their achievements fell far short of its sophistication. The Carolingian Empire, ruled by Charles Martel and later Charlemagne, was the most prominent entity of this time. Nonetheless, it merely extended the feudal notion of military alliances in the lord vassal arrangement and remained economically disadvantaged. The people continued to be loyal to their local leaders. Nevertheless, Charlemagne became a model for future European state builders.
The Carolingian dynasty was short-lived due to the German tradition of dividing the inheritance and thus, the empire among Charlemagne’s three sons who quickly lost their influence. Nevertheless, this paved the way for the formation of a future German state with almost identical borders as the Carolingian Empire. The true centers of western civilization that thrived were in the Byzantine Empire and later in the Arab Caliphates. These regions flourished culturally and intellectually. Both empires played a significant role in far-reaching trade extending to the other side of Asia. The Byzantines avoided sharing the same fate as their Latin counterparts by maintaining a prosperous economy that enabled them to pay tributes to neighboring Barbarians and fostered cultural prosperity.
