The Survival and Revival of Greek Civilization
Table of contents
The Survival and Revival of Greek Civilization
Overview
Greek civilization had a profound impact on the development of Western philosophy, art, and law. Despite being ravaged by barbarian invasions, it continued to thrive in various forms, particularly in the Eastern Empire. This overview will explore the context, key figures, and institutions that contributed to the survival and revival of Greek civilization.
Context
The fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century marked the beginning of a period of cultural decline in Europe. However, the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to exist for another thousand years, preserving many aspects of Greek culture. This dichotomy between East and West had significant implications for the development of philosophy, art, and law.
Timeline
- 476 CE: The Western Roman Empire falls to barbarian invasions.
- 5th century: The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continues to thrive in the East.
- 6th century: Greek scholars begin to migrate from the West to the East, contributing to the preservation of Greek knowledge.
- 9th century: The Danes destroy Irish civilization, marking the end of its unique cultural development.
- 11th century: Scholars such as Michael Psellus and John Tzetzes contribute to a revival of interest in classical Greek culture.
- 13th century: The rise of the University of Padua in Italy becomes a center for the study of Greek philosophy, particularly Aristotelianism.
- 14th century: Scholars such as Geoffrey Chaucer and John of Jandun begin to translate and comment on Aristotle’s works.
Key Terms and Concepts
Hellenization
The process by which ancient Greek culture was adopted and assimilated into the Roman Empire, particularly in the Eastern provinces.
Byzantine Empire
A continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Greek Empire, that preserved many aspects of Greek culture for another thousand years.
Greek Scholasticism
A philosophical movement that emerged in the 12th century, characterized by a renewed interest in classical Greek philosophy and the development of Aristotelianism.
Barbarization
The process by which non-Greek cultures assimilated into the Roman Empire, often resulting in the loss of cultural identity.
Romanization
The process by which ancient Roman culture was adopted and assimilated into the Eastern provinces.
Key Figures and Groups
Scotus Erigena
A 9th-century Irish philosopher who wrote extensively on Platonic and Aristotelian philosophy, marking one of the last notable contributions to Western European philosophy before its decline.
Michael Psellus
An 11th-century Byzantine scholar who contributed significantly to a revival of interest in classical Greek culture.
John Tzetzes
A 12th-century Byzantine poet and scholar who wrote extensively on Aristotelian philosophy.
Geoffrey Chaucer
An English poet and scholar who translated many works from Latin into Middle English, including Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics.
Mechanisms and Processes
The survival of Greek civilization can be attributed to several mechanisms:
- The migration of scholars from the West to the East, contributing to the preservation of Greek knowledge.
- The continued existence of the Eastern Roman Empire, which preserved many aspects of Greek culture.
- The rise of new centers for learning, such as the University of Padua, where scholars could study and comment on classical Greek works.
Deep Background
The development of Greek Scholasticism can be understood within the broader context of intellectual movements in the Middle Ages. The rediscovery of Aristotle’s works, particularly through translations from Arabic, sparked a renewed interest in classical philosophy. This movement was characterized by a focus on Aristotelian logic and metaphysics, as well as the development of new philosophical schools.
Explanation and Importance
The survival and revival of Greek civilization had significant implications for Western philosophy, art, and law. The preservation of ancient knowledge allowed for the transmission of ideas from classical Greece to the Middle Ages and beyond. This had far-reaching consequences for intellectual development, cultural identity, and artistic expression.
Comparative Insight
In comparison with other philosophical traditions, such as Islamic Philosophy or Chinese Philosophy, Greek Scholasticism emerged as a distinct movement characterized by its focus on Aristotelian philosophy and the preservation of classical knowledge. This highlights the unique role of Greece in shaping Western intellectual history.
Extended Analysis
The Role of Aristotelianism
Aristotle’s works had a profound impact on the development of Greek Scholasticism, particularly through their transmission from Arabic sources. Scholars such as Michael Psellus and John Tzetzes contributed to the revival of interest in Aristotelian philosophy.
The Significance of Byzantine Culture
The continued existence of the Eastern Roman Empire allowed for the preservation of many aspects of Greek culture, including its philosophical traditions. This highlights the importance of Byzantine culture as a bridge between ancient and modern civilizations.
The Impact on Art and Law
The survival and revival of Greek civilization had significant implications for artistic expression and legal systems. The transmission of classical knowledge allowed for the development of new artistic styles and the codification of laws, such as Justinian’s Codes.
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
• How might the survival and revival of Greek civilization have been affected by the fall of the Western Roman Empire? • In what ways did the Byzantine Empire contribute to the preservation of Greek culture? • What role did Aristotelianism play in the development of Greek Scholasticism?
Conclusion
The survival and revival of Greek civilization had significant implications for Western philosophy, art, and law. The continued existence of the Eastern Roman Empire allowed for the preservation of many aspects of Greek culture, including its philosophical traditions. The rediscovery of Aristotle’s works sparked a renewed interest in classical philosophy, contributing to the development of new intellectual movements.