There are many terms used to describe the period after the fall of Rome and before the Renaissance, three main terms are Middle, Middle Ages and Middle Ages. In general, these terms are used interchangeably, but are these the right substitutions? In recent years the term “Dark Ages” is becoming less and less acceptable as a phrase that describes the span of years to which it is meant to refer. The use of the term “dark” implies a period of stagnation, which is becoming a questionable concept. Specifically, the time frame referenced in this article is 530-1452 BC, with a focus on scientific discoveries and innovations rather than art or literature. These dates are significant because in 529 the Academy and Lyceum of Athens were closed by the Byzantine emperor, thus ending Greek intellectual influence. The date of 1453 was chosen because many Greek texts arrived in Europe in 1453 after the fall of Constantinople to the Turks, thus reviving the struggling European scientific fields (Bunch 93). This essay will show that the medieval period was not a so-called “dark age” because of scientific innovation in the Islamic world, and is only defined as such because of the popular prejudice in the West to focus on Europe. To clarify this, first, two objections to this proposition will be analyzed and clearly refuted. Following these counterarguments, the main weight of historical facts and events in the identification and explanation of Islamic scientific innovation will be presented, showing the inaccuracy of referring to the medieval period as dark. Finally, I will show that the misleading perception of the medieval era as stagnant is due to the modern prejudice for the superiority of the West... half of the paper... historical period in a positive scientific light. The distinction between modern and medieval science has been described as medieval science being more theoretical in nature and modern science being more applied in variety. Through the further presentation of the plethora of Islamic scientists, covering fields as diverse as astronomy, medicine, chemistry and physics, it has been proven, without a doubt, that significant scientific contributions were made during this period. Ultimately, the source of this misunderstanding was exposed through the common accidental perception of the past as a European narrative. History can easily focus on Europe, and doing so produces a vision of the stagnant medieval era. However, when looking at the bigger global picture, it is clear that the Islamic world more than compensates for this lull in innovation by successfully illuminating the “Dark Ages”.”.