This summer I focused my reading efforts on the period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and The Renaissance. I was always unclear about hoThis summer I focused my reading efforts on the period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and The Renaissance. I was always unclear about how this period structurally laid the framework for the beginning of the Renaissance. This book fit nicely into an overview of exactly this period. Merovingian royalty replaced the Empire. There was a resurgent Byzantine Empire fighting on Western Roman Empire territory against Vandals, Goths, Franks, and other barbarians. Charlemagne was crowned Emperor and an obscure man named Mohammed had a vision that spawned Islam. The Crusades took Jerusalem and lost it to Saladin. The Hundred Years War came and went. Finally, the condottieri were the last subject of this text. An excellent compilation of history centered on Europe and the Mediterranean....more
I was very impressed with this book. Focused exclusively on the reign of Justinian the Great, the author provides an in-depth look at the Byzantine emI was very impressed with this book. Focused exclusively on the reign of Justinian the Great, the author provides an in-depth look at the Byzantine empire from the loss of its western provinces to the beginning of the rise of Islam. Even more remarkable was the extensive discussion of the plague that devastated the Mediterranean area for approximately 200 years which began during Justinian’s early reign. The author provides several chapters of bacteria discussion, epedemiology, human migration, and human immun system discussion on how the plaque had such a high mortality rate. This book is a mix of history and medical treatise which is very impressive to me. Additionally the author adds a bonus with a discussion of the other two empires of the time...the Sassanian and Han with the Sassanian wars and the Silk Road from China. Later the author also provides information on the rise of the Franks from the Merovingians. I would recommend anyone reading this book to be familiar with the Silk Road, the overall history of the Byzantine/Roman empires, and the Sassanian empires. A great read! ...more
A call by Pope Urban II and thousands of Europeans, Franks for the most part, pack up and head of to Jerusalem. I still find it amazing to read about A call by Pope Urban II and thousands of Europeans, Franks for the most part, pack up and head of to Jerusalem. I still find it amazing to read about the Crusaders. It all started when Alexius I Comnenus asked for Western Europe’s assistance against the rising threat of Turkish expansion. The Byzantines expected fund and manpower to fill the empire’s coffers and legions. The empire needed both after the disastrous battle of Manzikert. What they got instead was an independent army heading their way. And that army would not fight for the empire but for its own holdings. Bohemund, Raymond, Tancred, and many other Frankish and Norman adventurers were there to make their own mark. It took the crusader army over three years to reach Jerusalem. Nicea, Antioch, Edessa, and many other cities and counties had to fall on the way. Finally Jerusalem was taken and sacked sadistically. This book described the areas that other texts tend to gloss over. Discussion on massacres of Jews during the travels has been covered in many other books but not as extensively. The author also described how the crusader army transformed into a veteran army after three years of constant battles and siege warfare. Although outnumbered, the crusader veterans were a crack army that trounced many superior foes. After Jerusalem fell, this army easily destroyed a Fatimid relief army. The other subject I found very enlightening was the numerous dissensions over territories, cities taken, and plunder. The crusader army was not a unified command under one general but a composite force under many nobles each with their own ambitions and jealousies. One can only imagine if things were different. The army had not massacred thousands. The army was united under a single leader....hopefully an ethical one. The crusaders had remained under Byzantine control. A few good questions. An excellent book for an exciting era....more
This was a great overview book of the end of the Roman empire to the 15th century. I find it difficult to locate texts on the Merovingians, CarolingiaThis was a great overview book of the end of the Roman empire to the 15th century. I find it difficult to locate texts on the Merovingians, Carolingians, and the following European monarchies. This book covered the high points of the those eras as well as the Byzantine empire and the viking incursions. Included are some very interesting pictures of manuscripts, locations, and artifacts of the different eras. If you would like to read something that covers the high points of some 1100ish years, this is a good one. ...more
This was my first book exclusively dealing with the Huns. Before you pick up this book, you must be fairly well versed on the Eastern and Western RomaThis was my first book exclusively dealing with the Huns. Before you pick up this book, you must be fairly well versed on the Eastern and Western Roman Empires to understand the background. If you are not, you may have a hard time understanding the circumstances since there is very little explanation within the book about the history of the combined Roman Empires.
That being said, I was expecting a bit more detail. The author does include his travels and recent archeological evidence to back up many of his discussions about the origins of the Huns. However, there is very little detailed discussion of the rise and fall of Attila. Very little also about the final battles as well.
I gave this one a three since I view this book as a fairly good starter for a beginners understanding of the Huns. ...more
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