World's First Computer Rebuilt, Rebooted After 2,000 Years

Originally Posted by GoldenRivet

Just think... if it weren't for the catholic church during the medieval times we would be about 500-1000 years more advanced in technology than we currently are

very cool find

That's only in parts correct. The catholic church was the only institution that survived the breakdown of the roman Empire and the devastation of civilisation more or less intact. All the classic knowledge that was lost nearly everywhere else survived in its huge libraries. Only thanks to that, combined with the fall of Constantinopel, was the renaissance as we know it possible.

This certainly does not deny that the church was a great barrier to progress.

P.S. Should have read Anteaters response before posting. He certainly was a bit more elaborate on the topic once again ; )