Trace the tumultuous history of Europe during the Early Middle Ages through 90 specially commissioned maps and a authoritative narrative.

Medieval Europe remains a mystery to many, yet the relative dearth of information about the period cannot mask its crucial importance in history. Often mischaracterized as a time of darkness and decline, the period from AD 476 to 1000 was marked by turmoil, rebirth and transformation. From the towering legacy of Constantine to the iron rule of Charlemagne, and the Huns, Goths and Saxons to the Slavs, Franks, Vikings, Rus, Bulgars and Magyars, John Haywood brings to life the dynamic story of how a new Europe emerged from the ashes of the crumbling Roman Empire. We witness the spread of Christianity, the emergence of Islam, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the birth of the leading nations of modern Europe. This is not a tale of decline, but a saga of endurance, reinvention and remarkable strength. Packed with vividly detailed maps and powerful storytelling, Haywood brings to life one of the most misunderstood and pivotal eras in human history.

'This beautiful and impressive book fills a major gap in popular understanding of the Middle Ages, and indeed of Western history as a whole. With its brilliant series of maps, it traces the story across Europe and the Mediterranean from the fifth century to the year 1000' - Michael Wood, historian and broadcaster, author of 'In Search of the Dark Ages'

John Haywood was educated at the universities of Lancaster, Cambridge and Copenhagen. He is an expert on the history of Dark Age Europe, the Vikings and Celts. His authorial credits include Ocean: A History of the Atlantic Before Columbus as well as The Penguin Atlas of the Vikings and The New Atlas of World History, also published by Thames & Hudson.