"An epic reappraisal of the medieval world--and the rich and complicated legacy left to us by the rise of the West--from the New York Times bestselling author of The Templars. When the once-mighty city of Rome was sacked by barbarians in 410 and lay in ruins, it signaled the end of an era--and the beginning of a thousand years of profound transformation. In a gripping narrative bursting with big names--from St Augustine and Attila the Hun to the Prophet...

"A lively and magisterial popular history that refutes common misperceptions of the European Middle Ages, showing the beauty and communion that flourished alongside the dark brutality--a brilliant reflection of humanity itself."--Dust jacket.

Through examination of artefacts, writings, and possessions, this reappraisal of medieval femininity presents countless cases of influential women such as Jadwiga, the only female King in Europe, whose names were struck from history. The Middle Ages are seen as a bloodthirsty time of Vikings, saints and kings; a patriarchal society that oppressed and excluded women. But when we dig a little deeper into the truth, we can see that the "Dark" Ages were...

Surveys the history of the Middle Ages, describes the most influential political and social forces, and looks at everyday life.

"Grab your magical sword and take the place of your favorite fantasy character with this fun and historically accurate how-to guide to solving epic quests"-- "What should you ask a magic mirror? How do you outwit a genie? Where should you dig for buried treasure? Fantasy media's favorite clicȟs get new life from How to Slay a Dragon: A Fantasy Hero's Guide to the Real Middle Ages, a historically accurate romp through the medieval world. Each entry...

"An overview and appreciation of medieval literature for lay readers that takes account of major intellectual trends, various genres, and key historical figures of the period."--Provided by publisher.

After the long period of cultural decline known as the Dark Ages, Europe experienced a rebirth of scholarship, art, literature, philosophy, and science and began to develop a vision of Western society that remains at the heart of Western civilization today.
By placing the image of the Virgin Mary at the center of their churches and their lives, medieval people exalted womanhood to a level unknown in any previous society. For the first time, men...

A vivid exploration of the origins, rise and fall of the noble order of knighthood, illustrated with over 220 fine-art paintings and photographs.