By 1271 or 1272, Thomas had completed the second portion of his Summa theologica, concerning questions of hap-
Commentaries on the Talmud. Better known by the nickname Rashi (RAH-shee), this French rabbi was one of the few notable Jewish figures in Christian Europe.
As Europe emerged from the Dark Ages into the gradual rebirth of learning that attended the eleventh century, it produced a number of figures who contributed to literature, philosophy, and the arts. One of these was a woman, Hrotsvitha von Gandersheim (raws-VEE-tah; GAHN-durs-hym; c. 935-1000). Regarded as the first woman to write poetry in German, she helped revive the art of drama, which had been dormant for many years due to its association with pagan Rome. She wrote six comedies based on the work of the ancient Roman playwright Terence, but embodying Christian ideas.
Another notable scholar was a pope, Sylvester II (945-1003; ruled 999-1003), born in France with the name Gerbert. Formerly a teacher, he studied mathematics and the natural sciences, and
Wrote a number of works, including textbooks and two books on mathematics. He also influenced young Otto III (see Holy Roman Emperors entry) in his dreams of a unified empire.
Among the areas that Gerbert promoted was music, which would be heavily affected by the work of Guido of Arezzo (GWEE-doh; ar-RED-zoh; c. 991-1050). Guido developed the rudiments of the system of musical notation in use today, particularly the four-line staff.
This list of notable scholars began with a Byzantine writer, and ends with one: Michael Psellus (SEL-us; 1018-c. 1078). An important official in the empire's government, he also served as professor of philosophy in Constantinople. Michael was widely known for his encyclopedic knowledge and his promotion of classical studies, particularly those involving the ancient philosopher Plato. His most well known work was the Chronographia, a history of the Byzantine Empire from 976 to 1078.
Piness, sin, law, and grace. Though he may have moved slowly, he was a man of boundless energy who, it was said, employed as many as four secretaries at a time so that he could dictate to them. The completed Summa theologica, the greatest of his books, though only one of several, ran to about two million words—the equivalent of about 8,000 double-spaced, typewritten sheets.
Having returned to Naples in 1272 to set up a Dominican study house attached to the university there, Thomas went to work on the third part of the Summa, this
One concerning the identity of Christ and the meaning of his work. On December 6, 1273, his own work suddenly stopped, and he explained to others that everything he had done seemed meaningless. Whether he suffered a physical breakdown, experienced a spiritual insight, or simply ran out of ideas is not known.
His health failing, Thomas in 1274 set out to attend a church council in France. He was struck on the head by a branch falling from a tree over the road, and may have suffered a concussion. He stopped at a castle belonging to his niece to recover, and soon afterward was taken to a monastery, where he died on March 7, 1274.
World History
