The Little Dark Ages (3678 BG-2000 BG or 1800 BG) was caused by the Silicon Plague which brought the Machine Death and the end of computers. The Defensive Shield had attained the peak of its popularity and then became more precious than ever. With their use, social fabric was preserved and the Dark Ages lasted only 2000 years. With the invention of plague-resistance conductors, the use of computers returned and the Second Reunification begun, which brought the Second Golden Age.