In the fifth century, barbarians took advantage of the height of the Roman Empire's vulnerability and weakness and plundered a region after the other until they completely take power. After the fall of the Roman Empire, there was a severe decline in culture, education and economy, known as the Dark Ages. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The American Cyclopædia describes the Dark Ages as a period of intellectual depression between 400 and 1400 A.D. after the establishment of the barbaric supremacy. Even if the events described by the American Cyclopaedia as occurring during the Dark Ages are correct, this definition of the Dark Ages is inaccurate because it ignores the prosperity that Europe experienced throughout the 11th century. At the beginning of the 11th century, Europe began to emerge from the world. Dark ages. The cause of this progress was the tripling of available agricultural land. Originally, villages were intended to be self-sufficient, isolated from the outside world due to bad roads littered with thieves. But the feudal system and decreasing invasions not only led to the development of technology and agriculture, but also allowed them to resettle previously depopulated lands. This agricultural revolution greatly increased the food supply, which caused the population to increase. With this increase in population and the onset of security, education also grew. Although education was not available to everyone at this time, education for the upper class and monks was provided in monasteries or parish schools by scholars. These scholars taught many things ranging from botany to logic. Education became slightly more widespread, but still very limited with the rise of universities, which eventually replaced monastic and parochial schools with a new system of education. This change in education was an essential element of the return of culture (architecture, art, literature). Along with education and culture, architectural innovation also came, often manifesting in large Gothic-style cathedrals with large columns and high ceilings with ribbed vaults. One of the most famous is the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral or Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. The construction of this cathedral began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. Its construction took a long time due to the economic problems that Europe was still facing as it left the Dark Ages. However, these cathedrals showed the power of the Roman Catholic church, which would be another essential part of the flavor of the dark ages. The period in which the Dark Ages took place has been greatly disputed by historians. Those who argue that the American Cyclopædia definition is correct use the argument that although colleges were built, access to education was limited. They also claim that the economy was still struggling and that Europe had not returned to a completely normal situation by the early 11th century. The American Cyclopedia definition supports this, as it states that the Dark Ages took place from 400 AD to 400 AD. However, even if education was not available to everyone, a large portion of the Dark Ages did not have access to education at all, so even minimal education is a good thing. As for the economy and the fact that Europe was not in a completely normal situation, the..