Advancement of Culture and Knowledge Through the Ages

Benedictine Monks in the Dark Ages

600

Benedictine monks copy and translate scientific texts through the Dark Ages. In this period otherwise devoid of education and scientific developments, the monks secure discoveries made by Greeks, Romans, and other cultures that had perished by passing them on and studying them.

Arab Caliphates

662

One of the most basic yet important math concepts, the caliphate spread the use of place values as it conquered new lands (although the concept is thought to have originated from the Indians). As opposed to the old Roman way, this system made math much easier to view and utilize. This technological advancement is still in effect today, which shows the lasting influence of the Arab empire on science.

Charlemagne's Rule

800

While attempting to unite different tribes under one, strong Christian rule, Charlemagne also spread advanced government practices and general knowledge throughout his vast empire. Although the Holy Roman Empire did not last long after his death, his globalizing work allowed education and innovation to continue to flourish. Charlemagne encouraged learning so much, he helped influence the Carolingian Renaissance, which helped Europe get out of the Dark Ages.

Feudalism across Europe

1000

After the collapse of the Roman Empire and the power vacuum left in its wake, Europe turns to the decentralized practice of feudalism. This era as a whole marks a giant setback in the spread and advancement of knowledge, as everyone is only concerned with running and protecting their land. The self-sufficient setup involving serfs, noblemen, and kings promoted isolationism and war, both of which prohibit the flow of ideas across cultures.

The Crusades

1096

In an attempt to take back "their" land, Christians fought the Arabs inhabiting Jerusalem for years and managed to win the first Crusade. Although they lost the others, the unintentional but huge impact of the Crusades will always be the exchange of culture and knowledge by both groups. The Crusades are actually one of the main events that propelled Europe out of the Dark Ages.

Age of Chivalry

1170

Despite the decentralized pattern of the Middle Ages, chivalry actually promotes the spread of culture and knowledge in its own way. Because knights are trained from a young age, there is a sort of common culture, and education gets passed down from knights to squires. This theme pursues throughout the time period, amidst the long and strenuous power struggle between the Popes and kings.

Guilds and Cities

1200

With centralized government back on the rise, trading cities grow more popular and people become less self-reliant. Workers form guilds and train apprentices to become masters in their fields. This spread of knowledge is important because it stimulates the economy and shows people interacting more throughout the era.

The Reniassance

1400

Rather than relying on old books and religion, people begin to rely on science and the tangible. There is a rebirth of art, literature, science and discoveries, etc. and the flow of goods and ideas increases greatly. This is one of the most important events in history, as it is when people start defining themselves as a new people in a new era.

Invention of the Printing Press

1450

Rather than having to copy down texts word for word, the printing press allows for mass production of books, newspapers, letters, and perhaps most important to the time period, Martin Luther's 95 Theses. This invention helps spread news, literature, and scientific discoveries around the world at a rate never seen before this point.

The Compass!! and Columbus!!!

1492

In terms of advancement, this one is quite significant. The newly widespread use of the compass is now one of the most helpful tools for traveling, and Columbus accidentally discovers America. It's basically a win-win (except for the Native Americans...)!