This book provides a survey of this complex period of European history, covering themes such as the impact of Christianisation, the formation of nations and states, the emergence of an expansionist commercial economy, the Crusades and the intellectual and cultural life of the Middle Ages.

Introduction to Medieval Europe 300–1500 provides a comprehensive survey of this complex and varied formative period of European history within a global context, covering themes as diverse as barbarian migrations, the impact of Christianisation, the formation of nations and states, the emergence of an expansionist commercial economy, the growth of cities, the Crusades, the effects of plague and the intellectual and cultural dynamism of the Middle Ages.

The book explores the driving forces behind the formation of medieval society and the directions in which it developed and changed. In doing this, the authors cover a wide geographic expanse, including Western interactions with the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, North Africa and Asia. This fourth edition has been fully updated to reflect moves toward teaching the Middle Ages in a global context and contains a wealth of new features and topics that help to bring this fascinating era to life, including:

• West Europe’s catching up through intensive exchange with the Mediterranean Islamic world
• growth of autonomous cities and civic liberties
• emergence of an empirical and rational worldview
• climate change and intercontinental pandemics
• European exchange with Africa and Asia
• chapter introductions to support students’ understanding of the topics
• a fully updated glossary to give modern students the confidence and language to discuss medieval history

Clear and stimulating, the fourth edition of Introduction to Medieval Europe is the ideal companion to studying the entirety of medieval history at undergraduate level.