Early Medieval period

Early Medieval period (Early Middle Ages), the period following the Iron Age. Its beginning and end are conventionally defined by ‘events’ rather than by clear evidence of sudden cultural change and the term, like all ‘period’ names, must be regarded as a convenience rather than as indicating homogeneity. According to one definition it opens with the beginning of Christianization and the introduction of literacy—hence its alternative names of Early Christian and Early Historic period—and ends with the Anglo‐Norman invasion. It therefore runs from the 5th century to the 12th and includes those sub‐periods often called Patrician and Viking. Most of its historical and social characteristics are dealt with in other entries, but it is particularly noted for its very fine ecclesiastical metalwork and decorated manuscripts. The period has been described, with some justification, as Ireland's ‘Golden Age’, or the ‘Age of Saints and Scholars’. Confusion arises from an alternative use of the term ‘Early Medieval’ only for the period following the Anglo‐Norman invasion, which in the definition just outlined belongs rather to the Late Medieval period.

Richard Warner