The New Cambridge Medieval History: Volume 1, c.500–c.700

An authoritative history of Europe and the Middle East during their transition from Roman to medieval society.

Paul Fouracre (Edited by)

9781107449060, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 May 2015

1008 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 5 cm, 1.32 kg

'The New Cambridge Medieval History is complete. … Paul Fouracre has provided a worthy addition to this prestigious series. … the volume includes excellent surveys of Scandinavian history by Lotte Hedeager, Slavic history by Zbigniew Kobylinski and numerous essays on the British Isles. … coverage of early medieval European history is thorough and balanced. … especial praise must be given to the excellent summary of 'The barbarian invasions' by Guy Halsall - sure to become indispensable to a new generation of undergraduates - to Simon Loseby's stimulating account of 'The Mediterranean economy' and, perhaps most strikingly, to Michael Toch's discussion of 'The Jews in Europe, 500–1050', which takes the reader beyond the chronological confines of the volume as a whole, but with richly rewarding results. … the contributions are all fluidly written, stimulating and a pleasure to read. The comprehensive index and useful thematic bibliographies further ensure that this volume will be an essential reference tool for years to come.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History

The first volume of The New Cambridge Medieval History covers the transitional period between the later Roman world and the early middle ages, c.500 to c.700. This was an era of developing consciousness and profound change in Europe, Byzantium and the Arab world, an era in which the foundations of medieval society were laid and to which many of our modern myths of national and religious identity can be traced. This book offers a comprehensive regional survey of the sixth and seventh centuries, from Ireland in the west to the rise of Islam in the Middle East, and from Scandinavia in the north to the Mediterranean south. It explores the key themes pinning together the history of this period, from kingship, trade and the church, to art, architecture and education. It represents both an invaluable conspectus of current scholarship and an expert introduction to the period.

Introduction: the history of Europe 500–700 Paul Fouracre
1. The later Roman Empire Richard Gerberding
2. The barbarian invasions Guy Halsall
3. The sources and their interpretation Guy Halsall
Part I. The Sixth Century: 4. The eastern empire in the sixth century Andrew Louth
5. The Byzantines in the West in the sixth century John Moorhead
6. Ostrogothic Italy and the Lombard invasions John Moorhead
7. The formation of the Sueve and Visigothic kingdoms in Spain A. Barbero and M. I. Loring
8. Merovingian Gaul and the Frankish Conquests Raymond Van Dam
9. The Celtic kingdoms Wendy Davies
10. The earliest Anglo-Saxon kingdoms Helena Hamerow
Part II. The Seventh Century: 11. The Byzantine empire in the seventh century Andrew Louth
12. Muhammad and the rise of Islam Carole Hillenbrand
13. The Catholic Visigothic Kingdom A. Barbero and M. I. Loring
14. Francia in the seventh century Paul Fouracre
15. Religion and society in Ireland Clare Stancliffe
16. Christianity amongst the Britons, Dálriadan Irish and Picts Clare Stancliffe
17. England in the seventh century Alan Thacker
18. Scandinavia (c.500–700 AD) Lotte Hedeager
19. The Slavs 500–700 AD Zbigniew Kobylinski
Part III. Themes and Problems: 20. The Jews in Europe, 500–1050 Michael Toch
21. Kings and kingship Patrick Wormald
22. The Mediterranean economy Simon Loseby
23. The Northern seas (fifth to eighth centuries) Stéphane Lebecq
24. Money and coinage Mark Blackburn
25. Church structure and organisation Georg Scheibelreiter
26. Christianisation and the dissemination of Christian teaching Ian Wood
27. Education and learning (500–700) Jacques Fontaine
28a. Art and architecture of western Europe, 500–700 Ian Wood
28b. Art and architecture, 500–700: the East Leslie Brubaker.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]