Middlebury And The Dark Ages

“1. The term "dark ages" was originally penned by Protestants to diminish 

the work of Catholics in Europe following the fall of the Roman empire.

2. Even the great Italian  humanist Petrarch used the term to refer to the 

time between approximately 500-1000 AD”

Actually, thats wrong too. Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) is credited for being the FIRST person to coin the phrase “Dark Ages.”   It appears that he used the phrase to denounce Latin literature at the time.

The concept was later expanded by others to note the lack of literature and other cultural achievements of the period. 

Of course, I don’t think Mr. Proulx was referring to literature of the period by characterizing the budget in that manner. 

The Dark Ages were a period in history when life was difficult and barbaric . It was a time of lawlessness and brutality.  

Perhaps, he believes that if the budget is not passed, Middlebury residents will face a life that is more difficult. 

Of course it is prudent to mention that the Dark Ages were not dark for everyone.  During the same time, civilizations flourished in Northern Africa, India, China, and the Americas.  Perhaps they were able to pass their budgets.