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Thomas Aquinas read Latin translations of Aristotle's works by Iacobus Veneticus Graecus (James of Venice) -- who studied in Constantinople and translated Greek
by mkempe 9y ago
Thomas Aquinas read Latin translations of Aristotle's works by Iacobus Veneticus Graecus (James of Venice) -- who studied in Constantinople and translated Greek works held in Constantinople.
The fact that Byzantine scholars were inclined to Platonism does not mean that they destroyed or completely ignored Aristotle's works.
The fact that scholars in Europe thought by the 12th century that maybe they should pay more attention to Aristotle does not mean that they had entirely forgotten who he was.
The fact that Pépin the Short (8th century) received a copy of Aristotle's works in Greek from pope Paul I does not mean that the West had completely lost --nor lost interest in-- the Aristotelian body of work.
- boomboomsubban 9y agoIt's not like James of Venice just tripped over a scroll and decided to translate that. Arabic translations had existed for a while, but multiple translations can change the text. Plus, a link to Islamic scholars would add resistance to the ideas spreading. He was largely ignored throughout the Christian world, but not completely. I haven't heard this Pepin story, quick research could only find it originating from the thirteenth century. Seems like standard Catholic propaganda, the great Pope sent books to ensure Charles Martel would have the knowledge necessary to stop the Muslim armies.