The lasting impact of the fall of the Roman Empire on Europe was a transformative shift that led to the Middle Ages, often referred to as the "Dark Ages." The collapse resulted in the fragmentation of territorial divisions, leading to the rise of feudalism as a new social and political system. With weakened central authority, local lords gained power, and society organized around land ownership and mutual obligations. Trade decreased, educational institutions declined, and cultural exchange diminished. However, this period also laid the groundwork for later developments in art, culture, and governance that would emerge during the Renaissance and beyond.