The world known as the ` Dark Ages`, often seen as a time of barbarism, was in fact the crucible in which modern Europe would be created. Chris Wickham`s acclaimed history shows how this period, encompassing people such as Goths, Franks, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Anglo-Saxons & Vikings, was central to the development of our history & culture. From the collapse of the Roman Empire to the establishment of new European states, & from Ireland to Constantinople, the Baltic to the Mediterranean, this landmark work makes sense of a time of invasion & turbulence, but also of continuity, creativity & achievement.