What happened after the collapse of the Roman Empire, when Christian societies were no longer centers of knowledge? (point) Places such as Persia, and what is now the country of Mali their knowledge centers There were no centers of knowledge until after the East-West Schism Byzantium developed institutions of knowledge, such as universities and libraries Islamic societies in places like SynaPersia, and what is now the country of Mali became centers knowledge

After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire around the 5th century, Europe experienced a period often referred to as the Early Middle Ages or the Dark Ages, during which Christian societies struggled to maintain and advance knowledge. Here are some key points about what happened during and after this time:

1. **Decline of Learning in Europe**: In the aftermath of the Roman Empire's collapse, many educational institutions fell into disrepair. Literacy rates dropped, and much of the classical knowledge was lost or became inaccessible to the general populace.

2. **Centers of Knowledge in Persia and the Islamic World**: While Europe experienced this decline, the Islamic Golden Age saw a flourishing of scholarship in regions such as Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa. Scholars in these regions preserved, translated, and expanded upon ancient Greek and Roman texts, making significant contributions in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.

3. **Mali and Knowledge Production**: The Kingdom of Mali, particularly during the 14th century with rulers like Mansa Musa, became a center of trade and knowledge in West Africa. The city of Timbuktu emerged as a prominent intellectual center, housing significant libraries and attracting scholars from various regions.

4. **Byzantium as a Knowledge Hub**: The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantium, continued to preserve classical antiquity's knowledge and traditions. It became an important center for education and scholarship with institutions such as the University of Constantinople, libraries, and the work of scholars who translated and copied ancient texts.

5. **Emergence of Universities in Europe**: Following the East-West Schism in 1054, Europe began to see the establishment of universities in places like Bologna and Paris during the 12th and 13th centuries. These institutions were deeply influenced by the rekindled interest in classical learning, which was facilitated by the contact with Islamic scholars and texts.

6. **Cultural Exchange**: The Crusades and trade routes helped facilitate interactions between the Islamic world and Europe, leading to the reintroduction of classical knowledge and advancements from the Middle East into Europe by the late Middle Ages.

In summary, the period following the collapse of the Roman Empire saw a significant shift in knowledge centers from Europe to the Islamic world and parts of Africa, before eventually transitioning back to Europe with the rise of universities and the Renaissance.