the so-called Dark Ages saw an extraordinary outburst of innovation in both technology and culture. Some of this involved original inventions, some of it came from Asia. But what was most remarkable about the Dark Ages was the way in which the full capacities of new technologies were rapidly recognized and widely adopted, as would be expected of a culture dominated by faith in progress—recall Augustine’s celebrations of “exuberant invention.” Nor was innovation limited to technology; there was remarkable progress in areas of high culture—such as literature, art, and music—as well. Moreover,
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