Encyclopedia of Barbarian Europe : Society in Transformation

The first comprehensive reference work devoted exclusively to this dark, but critical, period in the history of Western civilization. In the Encyclopedia of Barbarian Europe, medieval expert Michael Frassetto amasses the evidence for the defense-and prosecution-of this little-understood transition era in the history of Western civilization. Covering nearly 1,000 years of history-from the late ancient period through the first centuries of the Middle Ages-this concise but thorough reference work examines the key figures, places, events, and ideas of barbarian Europe. This title chronicles the ancient Visigoths, the rule of Benedict, and the sacking of Rome. The easy-to-access alphabetical entries and essays offer more than a mere chronicling of kings and battles and explore the social and cultural history of the era, with special attention played to the role of women. * Accessible A-Z format for nearly 200 entries covering the people, places, and events during the fall of the Roman Empire and the birth of early medieval Europe * Detailed chronology of the nearly 1,000 years of the European barbarian era * Maps and photographs covering key events and places * Articles on art, culture, religion, and day-to-day issues such as agriculture, farm animals, diet, marriage, and burial