500 to 1400, Europe went through a period of faith, disease, terror, feudalism, and advancements in art and architecture. This period is commonly referred to as the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages brought an epidemic that killed roughly one-third of Europe's total population, renewed faith in God, and advancements in art, architecture and science. It is quite impossible to describe the Middle Ages using one label. The Dark Ages, Age of Faith, and Golden Age of Europe have completely different meanings but come to describe one period in time- the Middle Ages. .
The Middle Ages are sometimes referred to as the Dark ages, and rightfully so. " the culture of the Europeans lagged behind that of neighbors such as Byzantium and the Islamic world for most of the time."" (John McCannon, PhD). They were steps behind the Islamic world, and in some cases were considered to be barbarians. Europe was a very backwards society. One group of documents " #1 and #3 "provide examples of Europe being referred to as the Dark Ages. Document 1 states that barbarians have sacked towns and villages, laid waste to the fields, and burned down the churches. All trade has ceased, and the people have gone to cower in forests or have taken refuge in the high mountains. People would live in fear of their lives and could not trust anyone. According to document 3, there is great slaughter and the Vikings have plundered and burned down the towns. During this time invasions were eternal and bad health was inevitable. The end of the world was thought to have come. The invasions, backwardness of European society, and the Bubonic Plague came to represent the Dark Ages.
In addition, the Middle Ages are also referred to as Age of Faith. During the Middle Ages, Christianity became an important unifying force throughout the continent, both culturally and politically. According to document 5, the people were not allowed to engage in violent behavior on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday or on the fast days of the four seasons.