The period between 600 and 1450 CE is often called the Middle Ages in Europe because it came between the Roman Empire — assuming you forget the Byzantines — and the beginning of the Modern Age. And it's sometimes called the Dark Ages, because it was purportedly unenlightened.
0:128:25Feudalism in Medieval Europe (What is Feudalism?) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo after the fall of Rome in 476. And even coming up on the fall of Rome where the barbarian tribesMoreSo after the fall of Rome in 476. And even coming up on the fall of Rome where the barbarian tribes are gaining the upper hand Europe developed into a much more rural society because people vacated.
The 'Dark Ages' were between the 5th and 14th centuries, lasting 900 years. The timeline falls between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. It has been called the 'Dark Ages' because many suggest that this period saw little scientific and cultural advancement.
Life was harsh, with a limited diet and little comfort. Women were subordinate to men, in both the peasant and noble classes, and were expected to ensure the smooth running of the household. Children had a 50% survival rate beyond age one, and began to contribute to family life around age twelve.