DARK AGE WALES Meaning and
Definition
-
Dark Age Wales refers to a period in the history of Wales, traditionally considered to have taken place between the withdrawal of the Roman legions in the early 5th century and the Norman conquest in the late 11th century. This period is commonly referred to as the "Dark Ages" because of the scarcity of historical records and the limited information available regarding the political, social, and cultural developments that took place during this time.
During the Dark Age Wales, Wales was fragmented into multiple kingdoms, often engaged in warfare and territorial disputes. The lack of centralized authority and the absence of a written historical record make it difficult to establish a clear understanding of the political landscape during this period.
Moreover, the Dark Age Wales is characterized by limited cultural and intellectual achievements, as the preservation of Roman knowledge and cultural traditions was diminished. The Kingdom of Gwynedd, in the northwest of Wales, emerged as a dominant power during this period, but the overall historical narrative remains obscured by the limited sources available.
It is important to note that the term "Dark Age" has been subject to criticism, as it can be misleading and dismissive of the cultural, artistic, and historical developments that may have occurred during this time. Furthermore, recent archaeological discoveries and scholarly research have shed some light on the political and cultural complexities of Dark Age Wales, challenging the notion of a complete "darkness" during this period.
