Middle AgesArticle Free Pass Middle Ages, the period in European
history from the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th
century ce to the period of the Renaissance (variously
interpreted as beginning in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century,
depending on the region of Europe and on other factors). The
term and its conventional meaning were introduced by Italian
humanists with invidious intent; the humanists were engaged in a
revival of Classical learning and culture, and the notion of a
thousand-year period of darkness and ignorance separating them
from the ancient Greek and Roman world served to highlight the
humanists’ own work and ideals. In a sense, the humanists
invented the Middle Ages in order to distinguish themselves from
it. The Middle Ages nonetheless provided the foundation for the
transformations of the humanists’ own Renaissance. A brief
treatment of the Middle Ages follows. For full treatment, see
Europe, history of: The Middle Ages. The sack of Rome by Alaric
the Visigoth in 410 ce had enormous