From the 5th to the 15th century is Europe, there was a decided departure from the trend of education and development. This era has earned several monikers, including the Middle Ages, Medieval and, due to the decline of education, innovation and the arts, the Dark Ages. During this period, there was an emphasis on brutality and medieval helmets and armor were common attire.
For a time, there was the legitimate concern that reading and writing would become antiquated practices as their importance in popular culture waned. Fortunately, several monks worked to preserve these essential practices and kept them alive during these dark times. Luckily, the Middle Ages were followed by the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment, which imbued society with a new appreciation for intellectual pursuits.