A major consequence of the fall of the Roman Empire was the onset of the Middle Ages, often referred to as the Dark Ages, which began in the 5th century CE. This period was characterized by political fragmentation, economic decline, and a significant decrease in cultural and scholarly activity. The collapse led to the disintegration of centralized power, resulting in feudalism, as local lords and nobles gained authority over their territories. The fall also disrupted trade networks, leading to a reliance on agrarian economies and the decline of urban centers. It profoundly reshaped European civilization for centuries.