The Early Middle Ages

By: Philip Daileader, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Philip Daileader

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The Early Middle Ages - the years from A.D. 650 to 1000 - were crucial to Europe's future social and political development. These 24 lectures trace a journey from Scandinavia across northern and central Europe to the farthest reaches of the Byzantine and Islamic empires, providing an exciting new look an era often simply called the "Dark Ages."

Given the period's dismal reputation and its temporal remoteness from the 21st century, you'll be surprised to learn about some of the most challenging questions historians have ever had to tackle: Why did the Roman Empire fall? Why did the ancient world give way to the medieval world? Why did Christian monotheism become the dominant religion in Europe? You'll meet some of the era's exciting figures, such as St. Augustine and Justinian, and you'll consider the extent to which the historical realities of King Arthur and Charlemagne match up to the legends that have become attached to their names. You'll also look at the era's effect on the Vikings, the rise of the Carolingians, and the golden age of Islamic rule in Spain.

Professor Daileader also explores the contrasting historical theories offered by two extremely influential historians: Edward Gibbon, the English author of the monumental The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, whose explanations closely followed those of the Roman moralists of the 4th and 5th centuries; and Henri Pirenne, the Belgian thinker who injected a newfound emphasis on social and especially economic factors into the analysis of history.

You'll see why the era belies its reputation as dark and dismal, but you'll come away with a new appreciation for this once-lost era.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

A Solid Starting Point

This is a series of mostly easily comprehended lectures about The Early Middle Ages. I was able to listen to these lectures while commuting and could follow them. I took notes and did follow up study. I learned a lot and can recommend this product without hesitation to anyone interested in developing a baseline of information for further study. Thank You…,

Bright Light on the Dark Ages

Brilliant! Philip Daileader is a magnificent storyteller with a wry sense of humor and a splendid vocabulary. I planned to listen to one chapter per day, but became quickly addicted to the charming flow of his narration, and ended up listening to six chapters per day. The story moves smoothly while covering a huge scope, CE 650 until 1000. It starts from pagan philosophies and state ritual of Late Antiquity, then moves into the moral ruminations of Augustine. A digestible and concise two-chapter discussion of Augustine's thought frames the end of consensus paganism, as Christianity gains critical mass.

Daileader guides the listener through the swirling masses of Barbarian invaders [also see included maps for tribal names and mobility]. His masterful explanation of the Viking attacks that used the river systems of Europe was, for me, a highlight of the course. Also, Daileader delivers a continuous flow of rich insights into religious culture and language-change in context of the Christianization of northern Europe. The eye-opening snippet from New Testament in Saxon is itself worth the price of the course!

Presentation Style: Academic treatment of the existing evidence is fair-handed. Daileader's speech is clear and precise in every word pronounced. Descriptions are free of jargon and pitched to undergraduates, making the ideas accessible to any educated adult. His professorial tone of voice follows a steady cadence, with enough variation to stay engaging. In each chapter, I found myself laughing at his gentle jokes about human foibles. The listener can feel his sympathy for the real conditions of life in the Dark Ages.

I have already purchased Daileader's next series, the High Middle Ages and Late Middle Ages. 100% recommended.

One of the three best courses I ever took

Was a history major in college but we barely touched on the Middle Ages. Yet our world becomes more and more medieval every day. If you want to under how the plague effects society, or dogma influences public discourse, or the unintended consequences of fighting wars in the middle east this time period is the place to look.

Don’t be scared off by the period

As Prof Daileader notes, this is an unpopular period among historians. But he does a great job presenting what is known about the key groups and events that follow the so-called “fall” of the Roman Empire. He’s interesting and actually quite hilarious too.

Stimulating

Good insights. Puts together a broad view across many political entities. Makes revealing connections in enticing ways.

Excellent lectures

A real good account of an age of whom we know to little. It casts nere light upon the decline of the Roman Empire and the emergence of medieval Europe.

Well Done

Very nice survey of the period between the ending of the Roman Empire and beginnings of Europe.

very broad, not as detailed as would have liked.

fine if you know nothing of the time, otherwise find more detailed lectures. thanks for making a 15 word minimum audible

Lectures, not a book

It’s great snippets of the latter fall of the Roman Empire. The guy’s voice is a bit grating, but the information is great.

informative and fun!

if you love to learn about ancient life you'll love this course, I didn't know what to expect with early middle ages and I got so much out of it. 100% recomend!