What characterizes the Early Medieval period?

The Early Medieval period, often referred to as the Dark Ages, is characterized primarily by significant turmoil and instability following the fall of the Roman Empire. This era saw a breakdown of centralized authority, leading to widespread chaos, wars, and migrations across Europe. The invasions by various groups such as the Germanic tribes, Vikings, and others contributed to a fragmented political landscape, and these migratory patterns deeply affected the socio-economic structures of the time.

While urban life was not entirely absent during this period, it was significantly diminished compared to the Roman era, and many regions experienced a decline in population and trade. The resurgence of classical knowledge and expansion of trade routes characterized later periods, particularly the High Middle Ages, rather than the Early Medieval period itself. Thus, the combination of conflict, population shifts, and dislocation is what distinctly defines the Early Medieval era.