How did the celtic monks in Ireland manage to save civilization after the roman government colapsed?

Answer 1

They were about the only ones who could read and write or do any math more complicated than counting on fingers and toes. It was up to them to control communications, keep records of commerce, and record history. Did this "save" civilization? Those who control the records always record that they are the ones who did the saving.

Answer 2

Sorry, it was a great idea for a book title. But it didn't happen that way. Cahill's writing is entertaining, but his scholarship is often weak, esp. in establishing the claim of the title.

The real story of the preservation of classical civilization (mainly literature and learning) through the Early Middle Ages (that is, AD 500 - 1000)
is much more complicated.

In fact, the popular view Cahill's argument is based on -- of centuries-long "Dark Ages" (a term few historians even like to use anymore) after the fall of Rome -- is questionable.

For example, there is much misunderstanding about what the fall of Rome meant and did not mean. Among other things, it was NOT a collapse into barbarism. In fact, the "barbarian" invasions took place over a long period of time and the leaders regarded themselves as continuing Roman traditions (and the Roman rulers did not regard them as a great threat).

The centralized government of the empire, from its own corruption more than any external threat, leaving more in LOCAL hands. This meant the end of much of the empire's infrastructure, and the shift of political control to the power of local leaders. There were also were major economic shifts --but not all were negative (e.g., the ending of the widespread slavery of the Roman Empire). And the Church played a major role, not only in "preserving civilization", esp. learning, but also was part of a number of ADVANCES in various fields over what the Romans had accomplished (e.g., agricultural technology).

As far as the sort of "preservation of civilization" (mainly literature and learning), this did NOT just happen in Ireland (though it may have played an important role in the NORTH of Europe). Rather, monasteries THROUGHOUT Europe preserved (though at a smaller scale) until the Carolingian revival (late 8th century). In the early period, Greek learning was maintained in the Eastern Roman Empire (=Byzantine Empire) which did NOT fall in the fifth century (but later fell to the Muslim powers). Islamic scholars also played a significant role in preserving and studying classical sources.

Now insofar as Cahill wishes to credit the Church, and esp. its monks, for preserving (even extending) scholarship, he is quite correct. It's just that this was not confined (at ANY period) to Ireland. So, thank Patrick and those who followed him... but thank the rest as well!

Answer 3

How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe (Hinges of History, Vol 1)
Thomas Cahill

Price: $11.20

The untold story of Ireland's role in maintaining Western culture while the Dark Ages settled on Europe. Every year millions of Americans celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but they may not be aware of how great an influence St. Patrick was on the subsequent history of civilization. Not only did he bring Christianity to Ireland, he instilled a sense of literacy and learning that would create the conditions that allowed Ireland to become "the isle of saints and scholars" — and thus preserve Western culture while Europe was being overrun by barbarians.
Thomas Cahill tells the story of how Europe evolved front the classical age of Rome to the medieval era. Without Ireland, the transition could not have taken place. Not only did Irish monks and scribes maintain the very record of Western civilization — copying manuscripts of Greek and Latin writers, both pagan and Christian, while libraries and learning on the continent were forever lost — they brought their uniquely Irish world-view to the task.
As Cahill delightfully illustrates, so much of the liveliness we associate with medieval culture has its roots in Ireland. When the seeds of culture were replanted on the European continent, it was from Ireland that they were germinated.

Answer 4

Much of the literature of the Roman Empire was destroyed when it collapsed, including copies of the Bible. Fortunately, the celtic monks had made many illustrated manuscripts of the Bible and other books, so they were preserved.

Answer 5

They didn't, they simply adapted what was left, and learnt from the Viking Norsemen who settled there.

Answer 6

Thru prayer and fasting, God delivered the people.