Introduction
Richard Marsden
When the period that we call ‘medieval’ opened, Bible – a canon of authoritative texts embodying venerable traditions Israel and chronicles young Christian church was already firmly established with all its complexities. Its subsequent developments were interwoven both religious secular history Mediterranean, Near East transalpine Europe. The medieval long one, characterised by bewildering changes, at end which shape what is now identified as modern world may be discerned. In 600, Christendom still enjoyed broad measure political spiritual unity, Islam yet to appear. Byzantium leading society in East, while evangelisation West continued apace, much northern western Europe process conversion, though would not take long. By 900, unity had gone schism between Constantinople Rome, first then doctrinal, too, become one defining characteristics. remained essentially Greek, contrast an increasingly confident Latin West, secure notions papal authority powered especially Carolingian empire. challenge been felt encroaching ever westwards. 1450, this threat contained Rome irrelevant, for Greek empire dissolved. experienced own disruptions divisions, authority, stand-off princely powers, under serious from within. agenda Reformation set.
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