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The Inheritance of Rome: Illuminating the Dark Ages, 400-1000

by Chris Wickham

Europe in the centuries after Rome

Critically Recognized
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Praise from The Daily Telegraph

    The Daily Telegraph praises the book’s reading, knowledge, and treatment of critical theory and evidence.

AlbakiReads Editorial

Europe in the centuries after Rome

Covering 400 to 1000, Chris Wickham’s history examines a period often labeled the Dark Ages through political and social change across a wide European world. Its geographical reach extends from Ireland to Constantinople and from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, bringing Goths, Franks, Vandals, Arabs, Saxons, and Vikings into a shared account. Wickham combines historical and archaeological approaches and argues that these centuries were formative in the development of European identity. The book’s broad scope makes it a study of connections and differences across regions, as well as of the varied societies that took shape after the Roman era.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Suitable for readers interested in medieval European history and the period from 400 to 1000.
  • A fit for readers seeking a broad, multi-region account that includes historical and archaeological approaches.
  • Relevant to readers curious about how the book connects early medieval societies with the formation of European identity.

Themes

Post-Roman EuropeEarly medieval societiesHistorical and archaeological evidenceThe formation of European identity

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"The breath of reading is astounding, the knowledge displayed is awe-inspiring and the attention quietly given to critical theory and the postmodern questioning of evidence is both careful and sincere."--The Daily Telegraph (UK)

"A superlative work of historical scholarship."--Literary Review (UK)

A unique and enlightening look at Europe's so-called Dark Ages; the second volume in the Penguin History of Europe


Defying the conventional Dark Ages view of European history between A.D. 400 and 1000, award-winning historian Chris Wickham presents The Inheritance of Rome, a work of remarkable scope and rigorous yet accessible scholarship. Drawing on a wealth of new material and featuring a thoughtful synthesis of historical and archaeological approaches, Wickham agues that these centuries were critical in the formulation of European identity. From Ireland to Constantinople, the Baltic to the Mediterranean, the narrative constructs a vivid portrait of the vast and varied world of Goths, Franks, Vandals, Arabs, Saxons, and Vikings. Groundbreaking and full of fascinating revelations, The Inheritance of Rome offers a fresh understanding of the crucible in which Europe would ultimately be created.
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