The first question I would ask is what does one consider the Middle Ages? Is it from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the Reneissance, or is it from the turning point of 1000 AD onward.

If the former, then it is two periods, one of which was, in fact, a period of immense decline, both culturally and scientifically. This also includes the last years of the Western Roman Empire, which was already a pale version of it's previous vibrant self. Of course, this only applies to Western Europe, as Byzantium and the Arabs were quite advanced, both technologically and culturally.

If the latter, then it is a period which is quite interesting, and quite unlike the previous period. Now, my opposition to organised religion clouds my judgment a bit, and I generally dislike the period (also, because it has been over-used, in my opinion). Now, the public image of the Middle Ages as knights in shining armour and whatnot is completely wrong, but then, most people do not even know who was fighting whom at the Battle of Agincourt, or what the Golden Horde was, as is the image of that period being backward, the Dark Ages were, but the Middle Ages were not, not by a longshot.

Quote Originally Posted by Hurin_Rules
If the Middle Ages was backwards, then so are we.
So true.