What went on during the dark ages in the harrison bergeron story?

In Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron," the term "dark ages" refers to a dystopian future where the government enforces extreme equality through the use of handicaps. Individuals who possess above-average intelligence, beauty, or strength are burdened with physical and mental constraints to ensure that no one Excels beyond others. This oppressive regime leads to a society devoid of creativity, ambition, and individuality, reflecting a dark period of cultural stagnation enforced by authoritarian measures. The narrative highlights the dangers of enforced conformity and the loss of personal freedoms.