How did Thomas Cole get the idea of the dark ages?

Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River School, was influenced by the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion and nature. He viewed the "dark ages" as a period of cultural stagnation following the fall of the Roman Empire, contrasting it with the Enlightenment and the rise of industrialization. His paintings often depicted themes of nature reclaiming civilization, reflecting a fascination with the interplay between humanity and the natural world, and highlighting the potential for renewal amidst decay. This perspective on the dark ages can be seen in his works that emphasize the sublime beauty of nature juxtaposed with human ruins.