Emperor to emperor: Italy before the Renaissance
Edward Burman
This book spans period from Emperor Charlemagne to Frederick II (Stupor Mundi), though as there are many references periods and people before after, total span is nearly a thousand years. The author's technique consider number of Italian towns monuments show their development influences which went into making them what they are. Thus chapters on Lombard Pavia Muslim Palermo other focus particular monument, such Santa Maria del Monte in Apennines. Medieval Italy was crucible modern western civilisation, when words Gibbon the three great nations world, Greeks, Saracens Franks, encountered each theatre ultimate consequence this encounter, enriched by inheritage ancient Rome invading peoples, Renaissance. early medieval history penninsula, invasions Ostrogoths, Lombards, Carolingian Arabs, Byzantine Normans German kings who wished renew Empire, together with economic, social cultural changes followed break-up Roman complex one, partly because chronology tortuous no single Italy. Yet some idea his story essential for full understanding later country especially