Fun with Quora - Correcting Myths about Histor

[timoneill]

The nice thing about Quora is that you don't just hear from the two or three nutcases and fanatics who disagree with you, you get to see the silent assent of the sensible readers who consider your evidence and argument and agree. It makes a pleasant change from most online fora, where the sensible silent majority are invisible and the nutbags rant forever.

I've been using the odd question about the Middle Ages or the history of science to slay a few mythic dragons. Some of you may enjoy my detailed answers on the following questions:

Why did science make little real progress in Europe in the middle ages?

What historical figures are held in higher esteem or given more credit for their accomplishments than they deserve? (my top-ranking answer: Leonard da Vinci)

What is the most misunderstood historical event? (my top-ranking answer, with a whopping 226+ votes: The Galileo Affair)

What are examples of things in the "common knowledge" about history that historians almost universally consider incorrect? (my top-ranking answer, with 224+ votes, details a variety of myths about the Middle Ages)

[mt]

Yeah Tim, your Quora answers are very informative. Thank you!

[foxymoron]

Same here Tim, I stumbled onto one of your pieces on Quora from google and had the pleasure of reading all of your contributions in one fell swoop, excellent stuff.