The Middle ages is often thought of as a great time of intrepid knights, benevolent kings, and massive castles. Although, this isn’t entirely true. Beginning with the collapse and downfall of the vast Western Roman Empire in the 400s, this era was not an excellent time for Europe. Different tenacious and vicious barbarian tribes savagely swept through Europe and took hold and desecrated most of the continent. The stunned civilians had to flee in terror. Unfortunately, the barbarians were far from pleasant and had no interest in the high culture of Rome. Because of the lack of learning and culture, this time is called the Dark Ages. Knights and kings didn’t appear until later in the period around the 900s. Even then, most people were lowly and fetid peasants who lived in dilapidated houses and worked all day for the rich noblemen. Life in the Middle Ages was unpleasant, and Roman culture was almost forgotten.