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The Early Middle Ages

By: Philip Daileader,The Great Courses
Narrated by: Philip Daileader
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Publisher's Summary

The Early Middle Ages - the years from A.D. 650 to 1000 - were crucial to Europe's future social and political development. These 24 lectures trace a journey from Scandinavia across northern and central Europe to the farthest reaches of the Byzantine and Islamic empires, providing an exciting new look an era often simply called the "Dark Ages."

Given the period's dismal reputation and its temporal remoteness from the 21st century, you'll be surprised to learn about some of the most challenging questions historians have ever had to tackle: Why did the Roman Empire fall? Why did the ancient world give way to the medieval world? Why did Christian monotheism become the dominant religion in Europe? You'll meet some of the era's exciting figures, such as St. Augustine and Justinian, and you'll consider the extent to which the historical realities of King Arthur and Charlemagne match up to the legends that have become attached to their names. You'll also look at the era's effect on the Vikings, the rise of the Carolingians, and the golden age of Islamic rule in Spain.

Professor Daileader also explores the contrasting historical theories offered by two extremely influential historians: Edward Gibbon, the English author of the monumental The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, whose explanations closely followed those of the Roman moralists of the 4th and 5th centuries; and Henri Pirenne, the Belgian thinker who injected a newfound emphasis on social and especially economic factors into the analysis of history.

You'll see why the era belies its reputation as dark and dismal, but you'll come away with a new appreciation for this once-lost era.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

What listeners say about The Early Middle Ages

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disappointed

lecture series is very biased unfortunately and a lot of what he says has now been disproven by archeology
it's a put because I was looking forwards to this series

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So interesting

I really enjoyed this course. Fascinating narrative told in a way which has illuminated this period of history for me. I have a much better understanding of events now and some idea about why things are the way they are today. Found the pre and post chapter summaries very helpful.

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More about Christianity than the Middle Ages

Not great, is seems to really be about Christianity in ancient Rome and few specific figures. Was expecting this to be about the European Early Middle Ages more broadly.

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Excellent introduction to early medieval Europe

Daileader is as entertaining as he is knowledgeable. These lectures will benefit any interested person, from the uninitiated to the professional historian.

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Spot on

An interesting, fast-paced, intelligent and thoughtful summary of the early Middle Ages. Simply brilliant. I love listening to all 12 hours of it.

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Loved the performance

Great content and great presentation. I enjoyed the wry humour throughout. Now for volume two.

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VERY WORTH WHILE

Very well put together. Fascinating and informative throughout. Philip Daileader in my opinion has dealt with this subject in an insightful and masterful manner. I thoroughly enjoyed these lectures from beginning to end.

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Brilliant set of historical lectures

If you want to find out more about European history at the end of the western part of the Roman Empire look no fiurther. Really wish I’d listen to this prior to going on a euro tour. Places and peoples mean so much more now.

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Great introduction to the period

Stimulating discussion of the Early Middle Ages. Gets you engaged in some deep thinking of this time.

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