In what ways did people during the Middle Ages build upon the achievements of the ancient world, such as those of Ancient Greece, Rome, and/or Egypt? Would it also be accurate to say that the Middle Ages represented a loss or weakening of achievement? Why? In what ways are the arts and cultures of Asia and Africa related or unrelated to the arts and cultures of the Europeans? Discuss cultural, political, and technological aspects of medieval life.
Sample Solution
1. People during the Middle Ages built upon Ancient Greek achievements by continuing to develop, refine, and advance their understanding of science, mathematics, philosophy, literature, art and architecture. They studied the works of Classical philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato whose thought was foundational for medieval thinking. The development of universities in Europe is a direct consequence of these thinkers’ works becoming widely available in Latin translations from Arabic-speaking scholars during this period.
2. In terms of art and architecture people during the Middle Ages adopted much from earlier civilizations but also developed new styles emerging from their own distinctive culture for example Romanesque and Gothic forms grew out of influences from both Roman times and the Byzantine Empire as well as other European cultures like Viking or Celtic ones.