In this classic textbook history of early medieval Europe, Roger Collins provides a comprehensive account of the centuries during which Europe changed from being an abstract geographical expression to a new culturally coherent, if politically divided, entity. This essential volume:

examines how the social, economic and cultural structures of Antiquity were replaced by their medieval equivalents

defines the European context by looking at the external forces which helped to shape it through conflict

explores key topics such as the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of both Christianity and Islam, the Vikings, and the expansion of Latin Christian culture into eastern Europe

features maps, genealogies, a chronology and bibliography to aid understanding and further study.