Roman_Inspired_Renaissances

What are the major differences among the Carolingian, Macedonian, and Islamic Renaissances' What makes each unique' Also discuss how these three different cultures remained clearly Roman-inspired. There are some major differences among the Carolingian, Islamic, and Macedonian Renaissance periods. What makes these periods unique is the renewed emphasis on the arts and education. These periods, for each culture, were very much Roman inspired and allowed for the birth of new ideas. The Carolingian Renaissance took place from 790-900. This cultural period was shorter in comparison to the Macedonian and Islamic Renaissance eras. This period of time was used as a “revival of learning designed to enhance the glory of the kings, educate their officials, reform the liturgy, and purify the faith” (Hunt, Martin and Rosenwein 287-288). This period of time was used to restore the learning of past cultures. Charlemagne ordered that the churches teach reading and writing to all who could be taught. There was great hope during this time that education would be spread among everyone not just the elite. Even today we see the influence of this era in that modern letter fonts originated during this time based upon Caroline minuscule, which was created to make handwriting more legible (Hunt, Martin and Rosenwein 287-288). The Islamic Renaissance took place from 790-1050. This renaissance was a lot broader than the Macedonian, taking place all over the Islamic world. “The library at Cordoba contained the largest collection of books in Europe at this time” (Hunt, Martin and Rosenwein 281-283). During this time Muslims created schools called Madrasas. These schools were the equivalent of universities and typically were attached to the Mosques. These schools only educated the Male elite and middle class. They studied the classics of Persia, India and Greece and translated the works of ancient philosophers. They also had the opportunity to study astronomy, math and science. Al-Khwarizmi wrote a book on Algebra and introduced the number zero (Hunt, Martin and Rosenwein 281-283). In the Islamic world they wrote on paper because it was inexpensive and allowed citizens to actually afford the books that were written. Macedonian’s and Carolingian’s wrote on parchment. It was very expensive and only the elite could afford to purchase the books. The Macedonian Renaissance took place from 870-1025. The renaissance was founded by an elite class, who despite the movement towards religious education, continued to study the classics of Roman culture. Artists produced new pieces and emperors were able to sponsor artistic endeavors. Emperor Constantine Porphyrogentios wrote books and also financed the work of other scholars and artists. Other scholars wrote summaries of the classics, encyclopedias of ancient knowledge and commentaries on authors (Hunt, Martin and Rosenwein 274-275). This period came at a time when the elite felt they could take a breath. They felt a sense of freedom that sparked hope that the intellectual and artistic achievements of the height of Roman rule could be relived (Hunt, Martin and Rosenwein 274-275). Obviously the major differences between these periods are who benefitted from these cultural rebirths. Rich males and middle class were the recipients of benefits in Islam. There were some scholarships to the Madrasas but for the most part, like in the modern world, you had to pay to go. Boys and Girls benefitted from education during the Carolingian Renaissance. Cathedrals and Monasteries planned on created small schools for the children to go but unfortunately that never materialized. During the Macedonian Renaissance, education was not evenly distributed. It has nothing to do with gender but everything to do with your status. The rich supported writers and philosophers essentially giving the right of an education to the few rather than the many. There is a huge similarity in all of these time periods in which there is a huge respect for the classical works of Roman culture. Scholars took the time to experience a deeper understanding of these works and use them as a stepping-stone for their own works. The fact that these periods are so hugely different and even in different parts of the world, for them to share a love of Roman culture, for me was quite fascinating. In conclusion, these three cultures are wildly different, however, they do share some likenesses. They all embraced a renewed appreciation of classical literature and philosophy. They appeared to understand the importance of obtaining an education. They cultivated a sense of creativity and individuality, which has certainly influenced all cultures even today. Works Cited Hunt, Lynn, et al. The Making of the West. 3rd Edition. Boston; New York: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2010.