Cheers Powers. So what is the difference between modes and scales?
For example, would this be correct?

X Mode = X Minor/Major mode?

If this is the case, when were the modes split up into major and minor scales?

Man, I guess my other questions could only be answered by a guy with a Phd in music history or something!

Edit: * tremendously
What I'd also really like to look into is what factors influenced the evolution of music.. I mean, it started pure and simple presumably by singing or tapping on drums (whatever) before Christianity, but is the expansion of music and notation into more advanced realms a benefactor of Christianity?

Argh! So many hard questions!