Celts as carriers of Western civilization from "summary" of How The Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill
The Celts, though often dismissed as barbarians by the Romans, actually played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of Western civilization. While the Romans were busy conquering and building their vast empire, the Celts were quietly carrying on the legacy of classical learning and culture. They were the true carriers of Western civilization during a time when the Roman Empire was crumbling and knowledge was in danger of being lost. The Celts' commitment to oral tradition and their reverence for learning helped to ensure that the works of the ancient Greeks and Romans were not lost to history. They served as a bridge between the classical world and the medieval world, passing down stories, poetry, and knowledge from one generation to the next. In this way, they kept alive the flame of Western civilization during a dark and tumultuous period in history. One of the most significant ways in which the Celts preserved Western civilization was through their dedication to education. Monasteries, which were the centers of learning in medieval Europe, were often founded by Celtic monks. These monks copied and preserved ancient texts, creating illuminated manuscripts that are still treasured today for their beauty and their content. Without the efforts of these Celtic monks, many works of classical literature would have been lost forever. In addition to their role as preservers of knowledge, the Celts also made important contributions to Western civilization in their own right. They were skilled craftsmen, creating intricate works of art in metal, stone, and other materials. They were also fierce warriors, who resisted Roman domination and helped to shape the political landscape of Europe.- The Celts were far more than the barbarians that they were often portrayed as by the Romans. They were the carriers of Western civilization during a crucial period in history, preserving and transmitting the knowledge and culture of the classical world. Their dedication to education, their artistic achievements, and their contributions to politics all helped to shape the world that we live in today.
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