[jimtorr]

Scholars, and universities filled with students were the norm in Islamic countries while Europe was caught in the grip of the Dark Ages.

Yes, the elite were filled with wisdom and understanding. Meanwhile, the other 99% of the population remained in the Dark Age where they were thrown when the Arabs conquered the Roman Empire.

Most people today don't know it but in the Roman Empire literacy was the norm, at least for citizens and inside the major metro areas. Museums have litterally tons of letters written by common soldiers to the folks back home. The folks back home wrote back, as well.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"Yes, the elite were filled with wisdom and understanding. Meanwhile, the other 99% of the population remained in the Dark Age where they were thrown when the Arabs conquered the Roman Empire."

No, I don't think so.