The Carolingian World
Marios Costambeys|Matthew Innes|Simon MacLean
At its height, the Carolingian empire spanned a million square kilometres of western Europe - from English Channel to central Italy and northern Spain, Atlantic fringes modern Hungary, Poland Czech Republic. As largest political unit for centuries, dominated region left an enduring legacy European culture. This comprehensive survey traces this great empire's history, origins around 700, with rise dominance dynasty, through expansion by ruthless military conquest manoeuvring in eighth century, struggle hold together ninth. It places complex narrative context, giving equal consideration vital themes such as beliefs, peasant society, aristocratic culture economy. Accessibly written authoritative, book offers distinctive perspectives on formative period history.