How did classical Western civilization first rise, then fall, and move towards a rediscovery of classical thinking by the time of the Renaissance?

Your assignment for your Essay 2 will be to write a five-page (approx. 1800 words) essay in response to the following question: How did classical Western civilization first rise, then fall, and move towards a rediscovery of classical thinking by the time of the Renaissance?  You will be expected to cover Greek civilization, the Roman Republic and Empire, Medieval Europe, the Rise of Islam, the Gothic era, and the Arabic Enlightenment, as well as the early and High Renaissance.  Again, your paper should be in MLA format.  Your only source should be lectures and the Sayre text (and specific quotes from the Sayre text should be cited properly according to MLA standards).  Submit online.