From 500-1000 AD: 1) The Church continued spreading the gospel and preserving Western Civilization during this period known as the "Dark Ages" of barbarian invasions destroying the Roman Empire. 2) Pope Gregory the Great sent many missionaries in the 6th century to bring Christianity to barbarian tribes in Europe. 3) Monasteries from the 6th to 11th centuries were essential to preserving Christianity and Western civilization as centers of learning and hospitality.