Were Greco-Roman societies ahead of Renaissance Europe?

Were Greco-Roman societies ahead of Renaissance Europe?

No. Greco-Roman societies lagged behind Renaissance Europe, while romantic accounts understate the hardships of pre-industrial life.

Greco-Roman societies lagged behind Renaissance Europe. The 'Dark Ages' label encourages a romantic picture of both antiquity and the later Enlightenment. It can also obscure the difficult living conditions experienced by most people throughout the periods. Comparisons need to avoid projecting modern expectations of comfort and security into the past.