The period between 600 A.D. to 1500 A.D. is called the Medieval period in the history of Europe. The early centuries of the medieval period are regarded as 'the Dark Age' due to the following reasons:
1. Very few people could get an education for a long time. Monks and priests were the only literate men in Europe.
2. The downfall of the Roman Empire resulted in great confusion in Western Europe. It gave rise to a large number of small states. There was no powerful central authority.
3. The new social and economic system that arose in Europe is known as the feudal system. Under this system the kings, barons and dukes were absolute despots. They were highly autocratic and ruled arbitrarily, making the life of the common people miserable.
4. The learning fostered by the Church was a narrow type. Everything was dominated by faith and the persons who appealed to reason against dogmas were punished. Science had come to a stand still. Magic and superstition held the day.
5. During this period, there was no sense of national unity. There began a conflict between the State and the Church. There was a theory that the Pope was superior to the Emperor even in secular affairs. The Pope's frequent interference into the state affairs gave rise to the sentiments of nationalism.