Why The Dark Ages Weren't Really That Dark

The Dark Ages have been misunderstood. History has identified the period following the fall of the Roman Empire as a descent into barbarism - a terrible time when civilization stopped.

Waldemar Januszczak disagrees. In this four-part series, he argues that the Dark Ages were a time of great artistic achievement, with new ideas and religions provoking new artistic adventures. He embarks on a fascinating trip across Europe, Africa, and Asia visits the world's most famous collections, and discovers hidden artistic gems, all to prove that the Dark Ages were actually an 'Age of Light'.

Welcome to Chronicle; your home for all things medieval history! With documentaries covering everything from the collapse of the Roman Empire to the beginnings of the Renaissance, from Hastings to Charlemagne, we'll be exploring everything the Middle Ages have to offer.

Subscribe now so you don't miss out!

#waldemarjanuszczak #waldemar

[rconwoo]

I love these 4 hour long videos that I can play in the background while doing other things whilst only paying attention just enough to be misinformed.

[EloTheCurious]

These videos often get funneled into my auto play while I’m sleeping. I wonder what kind of history are coloring my dreams! I’ll have to go back and watch them again. ✨

[Witchofthewoods.]

If every history teacher was like this guy, there would be a world of history buffs. He's perfect, funny at the right time, and the best storyteller.

[JJ]

Honestly love how the guy is so knowledgeable about many topics but lays them out in such a casual way that seems almost comedic. Very interesting on scene camera work. Truly a masterpiece of a video 10/10

[brianclingenpeel]

Why does YouTube think I want to watch this OVER AND OVER again. If I got a dime for every time this played on auto play I'd be rich

[reaganpratt]

The Islamic rock crystal art is amazing. Just a couple millimeters thick? The INSANE amount of talent to be able to do that is incredible, but to also be able to carve such beautiful images is truly astonishing. I took art history in college and HATED IT. If Waldemar had been my teacher, I'm sure that wouldn't be the case. I've learned more & seen more beautiful art in these docs than I ever did in school; unsurprising since American art history classes only focus on a very few popular artists & call it a day 🙄. Could watch Waldemar's videos for hours & never get bored. He is so knowledgeable & presents in such an entertaining way. ❤️

[rubenskiii]

Having seen Hagia Sophia myself i can attest to how breathtakingly impressive architecture in those "dark ages" can be.

[jferina]

This was fascinating! Thank you to everyone who was a part of this docu-series. Your efforts were immense and are much appreciated! I'm continually amazed by how much there is to learn about things we didn't know we needed to know.

[robertafierro]

Eye Candy! Eye LOVE it!! A little of this a little of that. That being those dee-licious hues of blue..those Bee-utiful underwater scuba diving docus! I was in Mexico in '69, I was very young, bit I will never forget the Pacific Ocean. I'm a Pisces and I just took in all those shades of blue..it was a visual.turning point in my life. I was 9 years old! Most of my artwork and prints always end up with the color Blue as one of the focal points..Ultramrine Blue and Teal are my fave blues..

[jeff__w]

Originally broadcast as _The Dark Ages: An Age of Light_ (2012)
S1 E1 • The Clash of the Gods
Nov 27, 2012

S1 E2 • What the Barbarians Did for Us 59:35
Dec 4, 2012

S1 E3 • The Wonder of Islam 1:59:01
Dec 11, 2012

S1 E4 • The Men of the North 2:58:15
Dec 18, 2012

[Wednesday.the.Wook.]

This guy is like Nigel Thornberry’s brother who does history shows instead of wild life ones

[troydodson]

The man says it himself. It would take an extensive amount of time to tell everything about all these great peoples and their history, so I don't mind the simplified version of where the Vandals ended up and some other things. That isn't what this presentation is here for. It's here to shed light on the underrepresented time of the 'Dark Ages'. Art, architecture, culture, deep thought. The on sight locations are a marvel, made to humble and inspire awe.
I plan on learning what I can about the time period. I usually focus heavily on Belisarius, Charlemagne, rise of Islam that I push aside the Goths, Huns, Gepids, etc. I also focus on military, which isn't fair when there are achievements as grand as those presented here.
I might sound like a suck up or fan boy right now, so I'll just end it with thanks. At some point before I'm dead, I have to visit these places.

[maya]

There should be a drinking game where every time Waldemar Januszczak lays the map on the ground and crouches down to show us we drink.

[SecretSquirrelFun]

“A rich Christian family WERE buried here...”.
But we got rid of all of those old dusty bones and junk and then we opened up the catacombs for paying tourists, local and foreign camera crews, movie producers etc. but it’s all very cultural, very respectful.
I don’t know what happened to all of the bones, I just work here - that’ll be 50 bucks thanks.

[TheHollowClown]

This was phenomenal. The passion and excitement oozing out of every sentence is contagious.

[robertafierro]

A common thing, back then was the fact that many Patrons helped out financially behind the scenes and many of them, insisted on the artist rendering their wive's or sons or daughters portraits on the ads of some of the figures depicted in the scenes. And, another detail I know, because I'm an artist, is that not every painter is good at portraits. Lots of people don't realize that. Plus, the artists often weren't paid properly or in a timely manner. A creative person can often be distracted by behind the scene quibbling..ruining the experience and quality of the finished piece.

[lifesgood]

These videos are really good & I think the subtle tongue in cheek comments makes it even better. Content is awesome and presentation is perfect. The English accent is my fave to listen to for these types of videos. Well done and keep going!!!! Love ur work 💕

[allisonbanno]

This guy's enthusiasm just draws you in. Great series

[scarlett]

This is amazing! I even minored in art history, and I never knew that “happy Jesus” existed first…and I love the fact that the early artists depicted him with a wand!

[highwaystar]

I got this one outfit of one of Charlemagne’s paladins, always fun to pull it out when me and my friends play sword fighting.