Which term best describes the time of political, economic, and cultural decline following the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

The term that best describes the time of political, economic, and cultural decline following the fall of the Western Roman Empire is "Dark Ages." This period, typically identified as the early Middle Ages, is characterized by significant disruptions in trade, a decline in urban life, and reduced literacy and cultural output when compared to the preceding Roman era. The term reflects the prevailing view that this time was marked by stagnation and regression in many aspects of civilization.

While the Middle Ages encompasses a broader timeframe that includes both the Dark Ages and the later medieval period, the Dark Ages specifically denote the initial centuries following the empire's collapse when many of the advancements made by the Romans were lost or diminished. Feudalism, although a prominent social structure during the Middle Ages, does not specifically capture the essence of the decline that characterized the early part of this period. The Renaissance, which followed the Middle Ages, signifies a revival of art, culture, and learning, highlighting the contrast between the two eras rather than the decline. Therefore, "Dark Ages" accurately encapsulates the challenges faced during this particularly tumultuous time in European history.