From Constantine to Charlemagne: An Archaeology of Italy AD 300-800 / Edition 1

by Neil Christie

Overview

This book offers an overview of the archaeological and structural evidence for one of the most vital periods of Italian history, spanning the late Roman and early medieval periods. The chronological scope covers the adoption of Christianity and the emergence of Rome as the seat of Western Christendom, the break-up of the Roman west in the face of internal decay and the settlement of non-Romans and Germanic groups, the impact of Germanic and Byzantine rule on Italy until the rise of Charlemagne and of a Papal State in the later eighth century. Presenting a detailed review and analysis of recent discoveries by archaeologists, historians, art historians, numismatists and architectural historians, Neil Christie identifies the changes brought about by the Church in town and country, the level of change within Italy under Rome before and after occupation by Ostrogoths, Byzantines and Lombards, and reviews wider changes in urbanism, rural exploitation and defence. The emphasis is on human settlement on its varied levels - town, country, fort, refuge - and the assessment of how these evolved and the changes that impacted on them. Too long neglected as a 'Dark Age', this book helps to further illuminate this fascinating and dynamic period of European history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781859284216
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/21/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	604
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr Neil Christie is Reader in Archaeology in the School of Archaeology & Ancient History, University of Leicester, UK.

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface; Introduction: Sources and contexts; Church and society; Urban evolutions; Defence and power; Rural settlement and patterns of change; Conclusions - Living (and dying) in late antique and early medieval Italy; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

’... uses an amazing array of sources to reconstruct a clear picture of what life was like in Italy as the Western Roman Empire crumbled and the European states started to form... so complete that scholars from many different fields should find his book an invaluable resource... Essential.’ Choice ’... this volume harnesses a great amount of up-to-date evidence and discussion, with a rich bibliography, in an essay that weaves together both historical and archaeological evidence. It thus provides a solid base for further study and abundant food for thought, to be strongly recommended to students and scholars alike.’ Medieval Archaeology ’Even at a first approach, readers of Neil Christie's superb new book will realize they have an important piece of work in their hands.’ European Journal of Archaeology ’... Christie has clearly delivered an indispensable resource for anyone working on or interested in late antique and early medieval Italy.’ Sixteenth Century Journal

From the Publisher