How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe

What were Irish society and religion like before conversion to Christianity?

Who was Patricius (Patrick)? Why was he successful in converting Irish pagans to Christianity, according to Cahill?

Historians have criticized Cahill’s characterization of Germanic groups as "uncivilized" “barbarians” who were responsible for much of the West’s decline and loss of classical knowledge. Research some of these groups, such as the Angles and the Visigoths. Do you agree with Cahill’s representation of these groups? In what ways were they more "civilized" than the Romans?

Cahill compares Patrick and the early church theologian St. Augustine of Hippo. What do they share, and what distinguished the two?

How did the Irish church differ from the Roman church? What are the reasons for these differences?

What are the limitations of Cahill's view of the Irish as the saviors of books and "civilization"? Research the recovery and preservation of medieval texts and provide a revised, updated thesis for a future version of this book.

What effects did the Viking raids have on medieval Irish society and culture?

Cahill compares the “barbarian” migrations’ assault on Rome to modern threats to Western society. Is this comparison fair or accurate? What underlying attitudes regarding "civilization" does it reflect?