The term “Dark Ages” is used to describe the centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire; The era when the European man distanced himself from his ancient glory and was considered an era of intellectual, cultural and technological stagnation; But new archeological findings, the discovery of works of art, religious books, trade networks and engineered structures, show that Europe did not just shut down during this period, but recreated the path of its civilization. This report is an overview of some of the most amazing discoveries of the so-called dark ages that illuminate a new face of the past. (Love Exploring)
Prince Pritlul; English glitter king
- old age: Around 580 AD
In 2003, British archaeologists found an underground tomb in Prittlewell, England, full of glittering treasures. Inside this tomb, a cup with a golden mouth, coins from France and garnet stone from Asia were discovered; An indication of the extensive trade network of which the south-east of Britain was a part at the time. Experts believe that this tomb belongs to a person named Seaxa, the brother of King Saeberht, who was the first Christian ruler of the East Saxons.
Museum of London Archeology (MOLA)
Aberlemno carved stones; Art on the border of faith and myth
- old age: 500 to 800 AD
In eastern Scotland, the small village of Aberlemno has four standing stones carved between the 5th and 8th centuries AD. On one of these stones, a Christian cross is carved among snakes and horses, and behind it, a historical battle can be seen, which probably refers to the “Nechtansmere” war in 685 AD. In 2025, one of the stones was damaged in a storm; But it is still an important part of Scotland’s artistic heritage.
Photographer: Fulcanelli/Shutterstock
Auburn’s skull; Beauty at the cost of pain
- old age: 400 AD
In 2013, a cemetery dating back 7,000 years was discovered in the Obernai region of France. Among them, a woman’s skull from the fifth century AD attracted attention; The forehead was deliberately reshaped as a child with tight bandages to give it an elongated and distinct appearance. Beside his body was a silver mirror and glass rosaries. These signs indicate the existence of a privileged class in French society at that time; People who did not stop showing their social status even with death.
Photographer: Denis Gliksman / Inrap
Osberg burial ship; Tomb of two Viking women
- old age: Year 834 AD
In 1903, in Norway, archaeologists from the Oseberg region came across a huge ship in which two women were buried; One was fifty years old and the other was about eighty years old. They were resting on a bed of linen and surrounded by luxurious items such as decorative sleds and ivory combs. The hull of the ship was covered with intricate and delicate patterns and had room for 30 oarsmen. This work is considered a magnificent example of Viking engineering and aesthetics.
Photographer: ArtMediaFactory / Shutterstock
Sineriz Mashon; Between old beliefs and new faith
- old age: 9th century
In a German cemetery located in the village of Maschen, a 9th century round breastplate decorated with copper was found. On its surface, the face of a saint with a halo of light can be seen, which may be Jesus Christ. This discovery shows that the people of Northern Europe still kept some of their ancient customs during the transition to Christianity. Placing precious objects next to the dead is one of the signs of those beliefs. The Machen breastplate is now kept in the Archaeological Museum of Hamburg.
Photographer: Archäologisches Museum Hamburg / Wikipedia
Book of Kells; Line magic and faith
- old age: 9th century
Around 800 AD, Irish monks wrote a magnificent copy of the four Gospels, which is now known as the Book of Kells. This version is one of the most beautiful works of calligraphy in the world, with its golden lines, bright decorations and intricate Celtic motifs. Contrary to popular belief about illiteracy during the Dark Ages, this manuscript proves that the art of writing and religious knowledge never died out. The book of Kells is now kept in the library of Trinity College, located in the capital of Ireland.
Photographer: Alamy / Lucas Vallecillos
Ufa Embankment; A wall for power
- old age: Late 8th century AD
Offa’s Dyke is a huge dyke built in the 8th century by the King of Mercia to separate the eastern border of his kingdom from Wales. This structure stretches for more than 240 kilometers and despite the basic tools, its construction required extensive organization and manpower. Ufa shows that local governments in medieval Britain had the ability to administer and implement complex engineering projects; Something that was considered impossible for a long time.
Photographer: Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock
Statue of Gurtnakarana; A face of wood and faith
- old age: Late 5th century AD
In 2021, road construction workers in Roscommon County, Ireland found a huge 2.5 meter high wooden idol carved from an oak tree trunk. Known as the Gortnacrannagh Idol, this statue is about 1,600 years old and was built before the Christianization of Ireland. Archaeologists believe that the statue was intentionally left in the swamp, because in ancient beliefs, swamps were considered places between the worlds of the dead and the living.
Photographer: Unknown / Archaeological Management Solutions
Birka textiles; Viking World Trade
- old age: 750 AD
On an island near Stockholm, Sweden, the trading base of “Birka” flourished in the 8th century. Silk fabrics found in this area came from the Byzantine Empire, the Middle East and China. These findings prove that Viking traders traveled beyond the borders of Europe and were part of a global trade network. Today, Birka is registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the discovered artefacts are kept in the Birka Viking Museum.
Photographer: Alex Stemmers/Shutterstock
The Lindisfarne Gospels; The art of faith on the island
- old age: Year 725 AD
In the monastery of Lindisfarne Island in the north of England, around 715 AD, Bishop Eadfrith wrote an exquisite copy of the four Gospels. The pages of this book are decorated with bright colors and intricate religious motifs that bear a striking resemblance to Byzantine art. This work is one of the most brilliant examples of Anglo-Saxon religious art, and its original copy is now kept in the British Library; While a reproduced version is in public view on the island itself.
Photographer: Chris Pancewicz / Alamy
The artistic, architectural and intellectual achievements of these discoveries show that the early Middle Ages was not an age of darkness, but an era of re-creation and connection of cultures. Tell me about your point of view about this era with Kajaro.
Cover photo source: Ireland.com | Photographer: Unknown
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