Examining an opaque period in Western civilization’s history

The term ‘Middle Ages’ (500-1500 C.E.) is often muddled in misrepresentation and myth. This is particularly true of the period surrounding the dawn of the 2^nd millennium: several centuries lost to history, thereby earning the moniker the ‘Dark Ages.’ There is no doubt that the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5^th century CE led to a major shift in power and influence throughout Europe. It was not until the early Renaissance period, principally in 14^th–15^th century northern Italy, that the theocratic community regained control of the historical narrative—and inclined the arc of history in its favor.

Was our understanding of this period in history—leading to the Renaissance—shaped by just a handful of Florentine men and their Church? This course will examine that oft-overlooked, opaque part of European cultural history known as the ‘Dark Ages.’ In addition to examining conflicts on the field of battle, we will explore evidence of progress on the frontiers of science, mathematics, literature, philosophy and other fields of critical thinking foundational to our understanding of early modern times.