The Dark Ages

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHists' creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive into the West European Dark Ages, discussing the period from the fall of Rome until the rise of medieval Europe around 1000 AD.

Were they really a decline or a period of critical transformation? Uncover the surprising truth behind this oft-misunderstood era.

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:21) The Concept of the Dark Ages

(01:24) Historical Narratives

(02:59) Civilizational Decline

(03:58) Anti-Religious Bias

(04:31) Anthropological Bias

(10:11) Gradual Process

(12:53) Cultural and Technological Stagnation

(14:44) Sponsor: WorkOS | Babbel

(21:47) Roman Empire and Christianity

(28:40) Western Individualism

(54:49) The Carolingian Empire

(58:45) Conclusion

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Coming to Our Senses by Morris Berman

The Birth of the West by Peter Collins

Inheritance of Rome by Chris Wickham

World of Late Antiquity by Peter Brown

The Forge of Christendom by Tom Holland

Empires and Barbarians by Peter Heather

The Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes