Watch Secrets of the Dark Ages

Secrets of the Dark Ages is a documentary television series from HISTORY Vault produced in 2002. The show explores the mysterious and intriguing history of the Dark Ages, a time period often regarded as a time of chaos and decline in Western Europe. The series seeks to dispel this myth and provide a comprehensive look into the complexity of the era from AD 400 to 1000.

The show features experts in various fields including historians, archaeologists, and scientists who help bring to life the fascinating stories and events of the time. One of the unique features of the show is that it covers not just one specific aspect of the period, but a broad range of topics ranging from socio-economic changes, political developments, warfare, religion, art, and culture.

Episode one, "The Fall of Rome," sets the stage for the rest of the series by examining the key factors that led to the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West. The episode helps provide context for the rest of the series, outlining the consequences of this event on the rest of Europe and the world. Through interviews with experts and visits to archaeological sites, viewers get a vivid sense of the challenges that faced medieval societies in the aftermath of Rome's collapse.

In episode two, "Barbarians Invade," the focus shifts to the so-called barbarian peoples who invaded Europe during the Dark Ages. The episode explores why these groups migrated to the area, examining factors such as climate change, population growth, and political instability that contributed to the mass migrations. The show provides a nuanced picture of these groups, emphasizing that they were diverse and complex societies with their own cultures, languages, and social structures.

Episode three, "The Rise of Christianity," explores the role of Christianity in the Dark Ages. The show explores how Christianity spread throughout Western Europe, its relationship with the Roman Catholic Church, and its impact on society, art, and culture. The episode also examines the religious beliefs of other cultures during the time period, highlighting their similarities and differences with Christianity.

In episode four, "The Vikings," the focus shifts to the Viking Age, a period of expansion and exploration for the Norse people. The episode portrays the Vikings not just as raiders and warriors, but as skilled navigators and traders who made significant contributions to European culture. The episode also examines the decline of Viking society and the reasons for their decline.

Episode five, "The Moors," explores the Islamic world during the Dark Ages, focusing on the Islamic empire in North Africa and Spain. The episode examines the achievements of Islamic scholars, scientists, and artists during the period, as well as the coexistence of Islamic and Christian kingdoms in Spain. The episode highlights the complex interplay between Islam and Christianity during the Dark Ages, emphasizing that this was a time of cultural exchange as well as conflict.

In episode six, "The Charlemagne Empire," the focus shifts to the Frankish king Charlemagne, who ruled a large portion of Western Europe in the early 9th century. The episode explores the political, economic, and religious changes that Charlemagne brought to the region, including his promotion of education and culture. The show also examines the decline of the empire after Charlemagne's death and its legacy in European history.

Episode seven, "The Normans," explores the rise of the Normans, a group of Viking raiders who settled in France and went on to conquer England and Sicily. The episode examines the Norman culture and society, highlighting their contributions to European art and architecture. The episode also explores the reasons for the Norman's success, including their adoption of Christianity and their elite warrior culture.

The final episode, "The Crusades," explores the religious wars that took place between Christian and Islamic forces during medieval times. The episode examines the motivations behind the Crusades, as well as their impact on both Christian and Islamic societies. The episode also examines the legacy of the Crusades in modern times and their impact on the world today.

Overall, Secrets of the Dark Ages is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of a fascinating time period in world history. The show provides a nuanced and multi-dimensional view of the Dark Ages, emphasizing the diversity, complexity, and richness of this era. Through the use of expert interviews, visual aides, and compelling storytelling, the show brings to life the people, events, and cultures of the time, making it an ideal resource for anyone interested in medieval history.

Secrets of the Dark Ages is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between February 25, 2008 and on HISTORY Vault