The Abacus and the Cross: The Story of the Pope Who Brought the Light of Science to the Dark Ages

The medieval Catholic Church, widely considered a source of intolerance and inquisitorial fervor, was not anti-science during the Dark Ages - in fact, the pope in the year 1000 was the leading mathematician and astronomer of his day. Called &quot;The Scientist Pope,&quot; Gerbert of Aurillac rose from peasant beginnings to lead the church. By turns a teacher, traitor, kingmaker, and visionary, Gerbert is the first Christian known to teach math using the nine Arabic numerals and zero.<p>In <i>The Abacus and the Cross</i>, Nancy Marie Brown skillfully explores the new learning Gerbert brought to Europe. A fascinating narrative of one remarkable math teacher, <i>The Abacus and the Cross</i> will captivate readers of history, science, and religion alike.</p>