Why Could the Medieval Period Be Called the Dark Ages - Research Paper Example

This period is usually referred to as the Dark Ages because, during this period, the people of the area undertook very little progressive efforts; in fact, almost negligible progress in the field of science, religion, art, culture, etc. can be observed. Life conditions of the Europeans badly deteriorated as the people felt that advancements and research in the field of science, art, religion and culture were not progressed but only magic and any such progress and advancements were forbidden. In fact, the people who tried to get themselves involved in such progressive activities were considered anti-Christians, condemned by the general populous and often made to leave the area or sometimes even were murdered most mercilessly in public (Cole and Coffin, 50-53). The people of the European civilization preferred to live in filth and dirt and in an extremely disgusting environment. They stayed away from cleanliness and hygiene as far as possible and considered cleanliness and bathing as a Satanic act; in fact, washing and purifying oneself after using the toilet or getting dirty was considered unhealthy and against the religion.

The people of the civilization were so dirty and preferred living in so much dirt and unhygienic condition that the people eventually felt very ill and often died. The streets were so dirty that rats, harmful and dangerous insects and other organisms were free to move around the places; eventually, this lead to numerous devastating epidemics. One of the diseases that became an epidemic during that period was the Bubonic Plague which took the life of innumerable people. Even then they did not realize that whatever they were doing was not right. Any sort of advancement in the field of science, mathematics, medicine, space was discouraged, considered Satanic and against the preaching of Christianity. The people degenerated socially, culturally and morally. They relapsed from a civilized nation to a morally, spiritually and physically reverted civilization (Durant and Durant, 222-223).

During this era, when some parts of Europe were drowned in the darkness, other parts of Europe were enjoying a very nice and progressive time. Portugal, Spain, some parts of France and some other countries which were under the rule of Muslims were rapidly progressing in the field of science, medicine, astronomy, art and culture. The areas were flourishing and people were making new inventions and discoveries, engaging themselves in healthy activities like trade within the civilization and outside their areas as well. People were developing their areas by the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, different systems, new architectural buildings, beautiful gardens, palaces, etc. Besides this, the people of the civilization encouraged similar behavior of other people and also maintained and developed healthy and friendly relations with each other, as well as other countries. The people made a great deal of contribution to art and culture and made their heritage rich in diversity (Coffin and Stacey, 98).

On the contrary, the remaining parts of Europe were doomed into darkness. No such progress was observed in those areas during this period. This time period can be referred to as the Dark Ages only for the areas where the Roman Empire had collapsed and where the people were not ready to come under the empire of Islam, because in other parts of Europe, this period is, in fact, the age of progress because it is the only time in history when there was significant progress in all fields. Many amazing historical monuments that are still present today and are attractive sites for tourists were mainly built during the Middle Ages under the rule of the Arabs. During this Middle Age, many great works of literature were accomplished and great progress and diversity were observed in other artistic spheres during this period. Art and culture became rich, versatile and gained strength during this period as the people were encouraged to let their feelings out; studying art was considered an extremely healthy activity.