“How the Irish Saved Civilization” is a historical work written by Thomas Cahill and published in 1995. This book explores how monks in Ireland preserved the legacy of classical civilization during the time following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century.
At that time, the Roman Empire had collapsed and Europe was beset by invasions from barbarian tribes. The social and political institutions that had supported classical learning were in disarray if not destroyed, and there was little interest in preserving the works of the past. In fact, many ancient texts were destroyed, either because they were considered pagan or because they were seen as irrelevant to the needs of the time.
The Irish monks, however, were not subject to the calamities of mainland Europe. Indeed they lived in relative isolation on the fringes of Europe, and their monasteries were often centers of learning and scholarship. They recognized the value of the works of the past and devoted themselves to preserving them.
These monks were able to do this in part because of their skill in calligraphy and manuscript illumination. They created beautiful and durable copies of important works (specified below), ensuring that they would be able to survive for future generations. In addition, they were able to create networks of communication that allowed them to share their knowledge and expertise with other scholars throughout Europe.
In so doing, Irish monks preserved numerous works of literature, philosophy, and science from the classical world, including those from Aristotle, Plato, and other ancient Greek philosophers. They translated these works from Greek into Latin, which was the language of scholarship in Europe at the time.
In addition to the works of the ancient Greeks, the Irish monks also preserved many works of Latin literature, including those of Virgil, Cicero, and other Roman writers. These writings provided a connection to the classical world and the values and ideas that had been developed during that time in history.
The Irish monks also preserved many works of Christian literature, including the Bible as translated by St. Jerome, and the writings of the Church Fathers. These works were important because they provided a foundation for Christian theology and philosophy.
Perhaps the most famous work preserved by the Irish monks is the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript containing the four Gospels in Latin, considered to be one of the most beautiful and historically significant examples of early medieval art. The intricate illustrations and calligraphy in the book are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Irish monks who created it.
Yet another important work preserved by the Irish monks is the Lebor Gabála Érenn, also known as The Book of Invasions. This work is a collection of stories and legends that tell the history of Ireland from the mythical arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann to the arrival of the Milesians, the ancestors of the modern Irish people. The Book of Invasions is important because it provides insight into the early history and mythology of Ireland.
These works were crucial in preserving and transmitting the knowledge and culture of the past to future generations, laying the foundation for Western civilization.
In this book, Cahill suggests that without the Irish monks’ efforts to preserve these texts and artistic traditions, much of the knowledge of classical civilization may have been lost to history. He argues that this preservation work was particularly significant given the widespread destruction and instability that marked the early medieval period in Europe.
So on this St. Patrick’s day, let’s toast to the Irish Catholic Monks, who helped to ensure that the knowledge of the past was not lost, but instead passed down to future generations.
