We study the history of the "modern" Hellenism starting, usually, from the fall of Constantinople (1453). It was the final act in the collapse of the "Byzantine" - as we call it today - Hellenism, the end of the "middle" times and the beginning of the "modern" times of Greek history.
From the perspective, however, of the evolution of Greek civilization, the milestone of the beginning of the "modern" times is not 1453. It is rather 1354: the year when Demetrios Kydonis, with the encouragement of Emperor John Kantakouzenos, translates into Greek the "Summa Theologiae" of Thomas Aquinas. Enthralled by the new "light" coming "from the West," Kydonis takes on the task of transmitting it to his fellow Greeks.
The event marks a new era for Hellenism, a new historical period. A period where the interest of the Greeks gradually shifts from their own tradition and culture to some other model and vision of life. [...]