Mary's Importance in History

 Kenneth Clark 

In the early twelfth century the Virgin had been the supreme protectress of civilization. She had taught a race of tough and ruthless barbarians the virtues of tenderness and compassion. The great cathedrals of the Middle Ages were her dwelling places upon earth. In the Renaissance, while remaining the Queen of Heaven, she became also the human mother in whom everyone could recognize qualities of warmth and love and approachability...

The stabilizing, comprehensive religions of the world, the religions which penetrate to every part of a man's being—in Egypt, India or China—gave the female principle of creation at least as much importance as the male, and wouldn't have taken seriously a philosophy that failed to include them both. 

Civilization, A Television Documentary
By Art Historian, Kenneth Clark