Includes bibliographical references and index

When and where were the Middle Ages? -- Believers and barbarians : the end of the Roman Empire -- Surrounded by "a sea of tribes" : the Christianizing of Europe -- Three empires : Justinian, Charlemagne, and Muhammad -- Raiders, knights, and peasants -- Battle and barter : from the Norman Conquest to the rise of trade -- Worlds in collision : the Reconquista and the Crusades -- Ladies, lovers, and lifestyles : the flowering of medieval culture -- Rulers and rebels : royal authority and ambition in England, France, and Germany -- Empire on earth, kingdom of heaven : politics, popes, and religious conflict -- High ideals and low maneuvers : the rise of universities and the decline of the papacy -- Matters of life and death : famine, plague, and war -- The end of the old and the beginning of the new.

As the Roman Empire began to crumble and lose its long-held dominance over Europe, new civilizations were emerging to fill the void. Germanic tribes like the Goths, the Franks, and the Vandals, as well as the Huns and Visigoths all fought for control of the land. Christianity became a more
acceptable religion throughout Europe, while the Islamic religion was born in the Middle East and quickly spread, eventually making its way into Europe. The blending and conflict of cultures and beliefs helped to create what we now call the Middle Ages.

Fascinating new characters were also rising in Europe like the emperor and empress of the Byzantine Empire Justinian and Theodoraambitious leaders who made one final push to recapture the west and regain the past glory of the Roman Empire. Meanwhile in the west Charlemagne had come to power by
crowning himself emperor. A popular leader he spent much of his time travelling through his land on horseback accompanied by an entourage that often included an elephant!

Vikings from Scandinavia began raiding parts of Europe until eventually they were stopped by Alfred the king of Wessex in England. By 1066, however, the Scandinavians got their revenge when William the Conqueror invaded England and took over.

Filled with intrigue, conflict, power struggles, and colorful characters and based on primary source materials Barbara Hanawalt's The European World is an adventure at every turn. From Attila the Hun to Joan of Arc, from the fall of Rome to the Plague this pivotal moment in history comes alive.

‎ 12 - 17 years