Dark Ages reenactment is generally considered a sub-branch of Medieval reenactment focussing on the 1st millennium AD beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire and ending with the High Middle Ages.
The term 'Dark Ages' is much used. Some groups define it as the period between the collapse of the Roman Empire, and the establishment of the main European Christian kingdoms - approx 400 - 750 AD (CE), whereas others include the Viking period as well (extending as far as 1066 AD). Some people call the later half of this period 'Early Medieval'.
Most reenactment groups focus on a smaller time period, sometimes restricting their interest to a particular century, or even a specific decade, depending on how authentic the reenactment and encampment is intended to be. Typically Dark Ages reenactment groups focus on a specific time period and culture within this range, such as Vendel Age Vikings or the Picts.
The largest Dark Age event in the UK is the Battle of Hastings Reenactment.
Famous quotes containing the words dark and/or ages:
“As if
golden pollen were falling
onto your hair from dark trees.”
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)
“Alas for the cripple Practice when it seeks to come up with the bird Theory, which flies before it. Try your design on the best school. The scholars are of all ages and temperaments and capacities. It is difficult to class them, some are too young, some are slow, some perverse. Each requires so much consideration, that the morning hope of the teacher, of a day of love and progress, is often closed at evening by despair.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)