The Golden Age (From 5th - 9th Centuries)

This period was a major intellectual activity in the Syriac-speaking World. Over 70 important writers are known, not counting numerous anonymous works and the writings of lesser authors. Almost all of the writers wrote across many disciplines, though some names stand out in specific fields.

Amongst the many poets, we received the writings of Narsai (d. ca. 502) and Jacob of Serugh (d. 521). Of the Biblical commentators, Ishodad of Merv and John of Dara (both 9th cent.) stand out. The mathematicians and astronomers include Sergius of Resh Aina (d. 536), Severus Sebokht (d. 666/7), and George of the Arabs (d. 724). Those who wrote on grammar and rhetoric include Jacob of Edessa (d. 708), Anton of Takrit (9th cent.), and Isho Bar Nun (d. 828).

The fifth century witnessed the division of the Christian Church into many factions. It is worth noting that the Syriac tradition is the only tradition that represents the rich diversity resulting from this division, and preserved it till this day. The Christological controversies produced many theological debates. Amongst the most prominent apologists were Philoxenos of Mabbug (d. 523) and Babi the Great (d. 628). Theologians of the period also include Dadisho (7ty cent.), Isaac of Nineveh (d. 7th c.), Timothy I (d. 823), Moshe Bar Kepha (d. 903), and Theodore Bar Koni (8th cent.).

One can go on naming famous authors whose works came down to us. Suffice it to say that the Golden Age covered all the fields of study under the sun: philosophy, logic, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, alchemy, history, theology, linguistics and literature.

A great deal of the scholarly activities were centered in schools and monasteries throughout Syria and Mesopotamia. Of the schools we cannot but mention the School of Edessa and the School of Nisibin, both of which produced many of the best known scholars. It is remarkable that a few of the monastic schools of this period are still in use today, most notably St. Gabriel's in southeast Turkey, and St. Moses the Ethiopian in Syria.

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