Who is credited with coining the phrase "dark ages"?

The phrase "dark ages" is credited to Petrarch, an Italian scholar and poet in Renaissance Italy, who is often considered one of the earliest humanists. He used the term to describe the medieval period that followed the fall of the Roman Empire, characterizing it as a time of cultural stagnation. Petrarch believed that the knowledge and achievements of classical antiquity were lost or forgotten during this era, hence referring to it as "dark." His perspective shaped the way later generations viewed the Middle Ages, emphasizing a contrast between the perceived enlightenment of the classical era and the supposed backwardness of the subsequent period.

Petrarch's influence on this terminology was significant, as it helped establish a narrative that would persist throughout European thought, affecting how historians categorize and interpret the Middle Ages. Recognizing this context demonstrates the lasting impact of Petrarch's ideas on our understanding of history and the evolution of cultural perception over time.