Did Buddhism ever go through a period of relatively high violence? Catholicism/Christianity had the dark ages and the inquisition in which 'heretics' were prosecuted with violence.  One could claim that Islam is currently in a period of high violence.  Did Buddhism ever go through such a period?
Buddhism experience some very harsh periods. E.g. 


The destruction of Nalanda
Decline of Buddhism in India due to many factors
Kalinga Magha's invasion
Persecution of Buddhists


Buddhism would have gone through some violent times in the Malay Peninsula also as it was predominantly Buddhist before.

Following may also be interesting:


Decline of Buddhism in Thailand
Buddhism in the World Today