Often referred to as the Dark Ages, the Middle Ages is the time period between the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. It is often considered an era when science and technology came to stand still, but that's not true! As this book demonstrates, it was in fact a time of constant technological innovation and an increasingly accurate understanding of our world. Many of the greatest advances were the products of Muslim, Chinese, and European culture, all of which readers will explore in this thought-provoking guide. Sidebars, primary sources, and timelines help readers make the most of their reading experience.