I think this is just blatantly wrong. Or at least it only argues against the expansive definition of dark age that isn't seriously used by most historians. The period from 5th-10th century Europe, which is what people are generally talking about when they say the Dark Age, produced none o the things you mentioned.
The university and degree system:
Didn’t form until the ~12th century in Christian Europe. Originally focused on study and translation of ancient text.
The mechanical clock:
Invented in 13th century. Based off water clocks used since ancient Egypt.
Eyeglasses:
Invented 1286
Banking systems:
Existed since at least the Roman Empire. “Modern” banking didn’t come about until the renaissance.
Gothic architecture:
Started ~1140
Rhythmic notation and polyphonic music:
Invented ~1200 AD
Proto-constitutional governance and representative assemblies:
Roman “Republic”. Discourses on constitutional government have existed since Plato, and mentioned even earlier.
Magnetic compasses:
Invented by China in ~200 BC
The printing press:
1440
First public library:
Libraries accessibly to scholars have existed since ancient times. Malatestiana Public Library is the first "public library" in 1447.
Three-field crop rotation:
Invented in China, reinvented around ~1,000 AD. Probably the only thing that actually slightly substantiates the point.
You are absolutely correct. I've been saying similar things about architecture, namely that the label 'Gothic' is slander from Renaissance intellectuals.
Vasari, in particular, is guilty of it with the claim that "this manner was the invention of the Goths, for, after they had ruined the ancient buildings, and killed the architects in the wars, those who were left constructed the buildings in this style."
As if the great medieval cathedrals were built by the barbarians who destroyed Rome... I wrote on my own Substack about Saint-Denis Basilica as the birthplace of the 'Architecture of Light', rather than 'Darkness and Ignorance', which is what 'Gothic' means.
Yes yes yes!! Thank you to the Medieval Era for the Liberal Arts (the Quadrivium and the Trivium)!
This is a very cool article. Thank you. I’m here for the ride.
Welcome!
I'm also very interested in the medieval world's continuing presence in our world.
Ooooh I am ready for this!! 🫶🏼
I think this is just blatantly wrong. Or at least it only argues against the expansive definition of dark age that isn't seriously used by most historians. The period from 5th-10th century Europe, which is what people are generally talking about when they say the Dark Age, produced none o the things you mentioned.
The university and degree system:
Didn’t form until the ~12th century in Christian Europe. Originally focused on study and translation of ancient text.
The mechanical clock:
Invented in 13th century. Based off water clocks used since ancient Egypt.
Eyeglasses:
Invented 1286
Banking systems:
Existed since at least the Roman Empire. “Modern” banking didn’t come about until the renaissance.
Gothic architecture:
Started ~1140
Rhythmic notation and polyphonic music:
Invented ~1200 AD
Proto-constitutional governance and representative assemblies:
Roman “Republic”. Discourses on constitutional government have existed since Plato, and mentioned even earlier.
Magnetic compasses:
Invented by China in ~200 BC
The printing press:
1440
First public library:
Libraries accessibly to scholars have existed since ancient times. Malatestiana Public Library is the first "public library" in 1447.
Three-field crop rotation:
Invented in China, reinvented around ~1,000 AD. Probably the only thing that actually slightly substantiates the point.
The Middle Ages are a time of great light.
Yes, its our project to correct the D*** A**s lie!
You are absolutely correct. I've been saying similar things about architecture, namely that the label 'Gothic' is slander from Renaissance intellectuals.
Vasari, in particular, is guilty of it with the claim that "this manner was the invention of the Goths, for, after they had ruined the ancient buildings, and killed the architects in the wars, those who were left constructed the buildings in this style."
As if the great medieval cathedrals were built by the barbarians who destroyed Rome... I wrote on my own Substack about Saint-Denis Basilica as the birthplace of the 'Architecture of Light', rather than 'Darkness and Ignorance', which is what 'Gothic' means.
Enjoy how the angelic musicians in the marginal decoration of the prayerbook you've illustrated echo your attention to medieval music's contributions!