Ways people during the Middle Ages build upon the achievements of the ancient world

In what ways did people during the Middle Ages build upon the achievements of the ancient world, such as those of Ancient Greece, Rome, and/or Egypt? Would it also be accurate to say that the Middle Ages represented a loss or weakening of achievement? Why? In what ways are the arts and cultures of Asia and Africa related or unrelated to the arts and cultures of the Europeans? Discuss cultural, political, and technological aspects of medieval life.