It can also be argued that it is ideally positioned to crawl out of that because none of the knowledge was actually lost and is there to be accessed and re-lear

It can also be argued that it is ideally positioned to crawl out of that because none of the knowledge was actually lost and is there to be accessed and re-learned. Just look at Iran/Persia lately. So much history, knowledge, culture, etc. The status quo just isn't great and is already creating rebellion. It's pretty grim and hopeful at the same time. People living there definitely seem ready to move on.