Contradictions of European cultural change meant: Power-hungry individuals brought wealth and well-being to the public. Though it was considered the "Dark Ages", brave men and women laid the foundation for a better age. The rise of Islam brought an era of peace across Europe. The Crusades brought technological advancements.

Though it was considered the "Dark Ages", brave men and women laid the foundation for a better age.

Explanation:

The idea of the "Dark Ages" comes to us due to the bias of scholars. When the rediscovery of the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome began, people were fascinated by their knowledge and their advancements. They began to think of this age, and their own, as the periods of knowledge. The period in-between was labelled the "Middle Ages" and was considered a time of darkness, superstition, and ignorance. However, this is not an accurate description of the time. Despite its name, the "Dark Ages" was in fact a period of artistic and cultural development, and it laid the foundations for the future.

“the iliad” (gr: “iliás”) is an epic poem by the ancient greek poet homer, which recounts some of the significant events of the final weeks of the trojan war and the greek siege of the city of troy (which was also known as ilion, ilios or ilium in ancient times).