Summary:
Referring to the Middle Ages as "a period of darkness" overlooks the beneficial traits that characterized this period. In fact, the Middle Ages can be seen as an era of advancement, with social, political, economic, and religious systems in place that made it a productive era and a "Golden Age" in European history.
Throughout history, the Middle Ages was most often recognized by many as a period of chaos and instability. Ranging from 500-1400 A.D, the Medieval era was first marked with times of warfare and the devastating fall of the Roman Empire. It was due to this that the Medieval ages gained the title "A period of darkness." A fault many make while referring to the Middle Ages is that they focus on some of the negative effects during that era, thus overlooking the beneficial traits that this period was characterized by. There are many contrasting reasons as to why the middle ages should not be referred to in a negative manner and should instead be considered above all else a "Golden age in European history."
To truly get a sense of the Middle Ages history and determine if it was infact a golden age, knowledge of its Social, Political, Economic and Religious background is needed. Socially, the middle ages had a rigid class system where those in it were born into their classes. Although there was no social mobility, this could have been seen as a positive effect being that stability was provided as a result of this form of system. Along with class systems came systems of education as Universities were built. This not only shows that the middle ages was not an age of complete darkness, but also provides proof that it was a civil society where education was valued at that time.
Along with a social system, the Middle Ages did contain some form of a political system in order to provide stability, a system of feudalism was set up at the time ensuring mutual obligations to both the lords and the serfs. Oaths of loyalty were made and contracts were established to outline the obligations both sides needed to follow. This presents evidence that the Middle Ages, like many countries of today have a political system in which order is maintained.
Economic systems were set up at the time as well. Although no uniform currency was distributed at the time, gold was used to purchase items. A barter system was made for trading as well. Manoralism was also set into action as a self sufficient economy was created.
Religion also had a large effect on those in medieval society. While there was no separation of church and state at the time, the church was a positive influence in sustaining order. The church gave guidelines on how to behave thus making a positive influence on the actions of the people. The church, also having power over military conditions ruled not to fight on holy days. It was due to this that peace was kept because of the churches ruling.
Because of all these reasons the Middle Ages can be seen as an era of advancement. With a Social, Political, Economic, and Religious system in effect, the middle ages was, without doubt, a productive era. As a result of all this it can be seen as a "Golden Age in European History.''
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