Early Medieval Europe 300-1050

David Rollason is Professor of Medieval History at Durham University and the author of many books and articles on the early medieval period.

Contents

Part I: Introduction

1.    Why study this period?

Part II: The End of the Roman Empire in the West

2.    From Roman Empire to Barbarian Kingdoms: Cataclysm or Transition?

3.    The Making of Peoples: Invasions or Identity-Change?

Part III: The Rise of European Kingship

4.    The Rise of European States

5.    The Barbarian Roots of Kingship

6.    Kings and Emperors

7.    The Christian Shaping of Kingship

8.    The Mechanisms of Power

Part IV: The Economic Foundation

9.    The Nature of Exchange: Trade, Plunder and Gift Giving

10. Cultivating the Land: The Basis of European Society

11. The Origins of European Towns and Town Life

Part V: Christianity and the Role of the Church

12. The Processes of Conversion to Christianity

13. Popes and Bishops: The Most Powerful Men in Europe

14. Monks and Monastries: Power in this Life or after it?

Part VI: Conclusion

15. The Birth of Western Society?