The not-so-dark medieval period

The thirteenth century was a period of great intellectual activity in Europe, contrary to the popular stereotype of the medieval period as the “Dark Ages.” By the year 1300 at least thirty-three universities had been founded in Europe. These typically grew out of “cathedral schools” primarily designed to train clergy. The earliest universities date from the ninth century in Italy, probably in Salerno and Bologna. Oxford University was founded around 1115, with Cambridge following around 1209.—Evans, A History of Western Philosophy, 173