After the division of Charlemagne’s empire in 843, Europe entered a period known as the Middle Ages. Although later Renaissance scholars dismissively labeled this time the “Dark Ages” preceding their own cultural boom, in truth the Middle Ages witnessed a dynamic restructuring of Europe’s political, social, and religious life. Europe’s kings slowly consolidated their territories and their claim to power, while the introduction of feudalism and manorialism brought stability and order to European society. Although the medieval European experience was extremely diverse because of increased foreign encroachment, catastrophic outbreaks of disease, and civil and international warfare, the thriving Christian Church was a prominent and unifying element of society. Together, the church, territorial leaders, and scholars guided society toward the development of a distinct European way of life and identity.