What characterized the early middle ages?

Answer 1

I don't think it is helpful to characterize the Early Middle Ages, except by breaking the time down into smaller parts, relative to locations.

• 350 to 750 - The Early Middle Ages started with a period in which tribal groups, mostly of Germanic origin, overran Western Europe and set up kingdoms there. During this time, the East Roman Empire held together, but began to be attacked by Muslims, losing Palestine and North Africa. Muslims also took over Spain. This is a time possibly best characterized as chaotic, though in the East, the chaos did not begin until about 635.
• 635 to 867 - The Byzantine Empire was itself in a time of chaos, under pressure from Muslims.
• 710 to 840 - Much of Western Europe was united under the Franks, who stopped the advance of the Muslims and established the Carolingian Empire. The later hundred years of this time has been called the Carolingian Renaissance.
• 796 to 1066 has been called the Age of Vikings, a period when the Vikings raided, traded, and conquered territory.
• 867 to 1056 is the time called the Macedonian Renaissance, when there was a renewal of Byzantine culture.
• 936 to 1002 has been called the Ottonian Renaissance, as the Holy Roman Empire had been established and underwent cultural advances.

Answer 2

the manor system and the importance of land ownership