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: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive 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 -- HIGHLIGHTS: The Concept of the Dark Ages Historical Narratives Civilizational Decline Anti-Religious Bias Anthropological Bias Gradual Process Cultural and Technological Stagnation Roman Empire and Christianity Western Individualism The Carolingian Empire 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices