The Dark Ages

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' 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. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj - RECOMMENDED PODCASTS: 🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast – SPONSOR: BABBEL | WorkOS 🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg 💻 Building an enterprise-ready SaaS app? WorkOS has got you covered with easy-to-integrate APIs for SAML, SCIM, and more. Join top startups like Vercel, Perplexity, Jasper & Webflow in powering your app with WorkOS. Enjoy a free tier for up to 1M users! Start now at https://bit.ly/WorkOS-Turpentine-Network This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. - FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @eriktorenberg (Erik) @TurpentineMedia - RELATED EPISODES: Byzantine Empire Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wzpVoPhWiAecAuImjCnxZ?si=sM8t0T97Qh-BjxsOXmHUNA Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/byzantine-empire/id1730633913?i=1000662716343 Rise of Islam Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79fMsZSGfvSY2f9WENJvTq?si=09DZdn9PSX690vXcVUDuFg Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-of-islam/id1730633913?i=1000659000133 Vikings Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QXRdG77RTnsaXtCvUmwng?si=ZgQd2kOcSMG9olIziKG2cw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vikings/id1730633913?i=1000645968027 -- 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