The Rise of Western Christendom: Triumph and Diversity, A.D. 200-1000 [Paperback]

This tenth anniversary revised edition of the authoritative text on Christianity’s first thousand years of history features a new preface, additional color images, and an updated bibliography. The essential general survey of medieval European Christendom, Brown’s vivid prose charts the compelling and tumultuous rise of an institution that came to wield enormous religious and secular power.

• Clear and vivid history of Christianity’s rise and its pivotal role in the making of Europe
• Written by the celebrated Princeton scholar who originated of the field of study known as ‘late antiquity’
• Includes a fully updated bibliography and index

Preface to the Revised Anniversary Edition xi

Preface to the Second Edition xlviii

Introduction 1

Part I Empire and Aftermath: A.D . 200–500 35

1 “The Laws of Countries”: Prologue and Overview 37

2 Christianity and Empire 54

3 Tempora Christiana : Christian Times 72

4 Virtutes sanctorum . . . strages gentium : “Deeds of Saints . . . Slaughter of Nations” 93

5 On the Frontiers: Noricum, Ireland, and Francia 123

Part II Divergent Legacies: A.D . 500–600 143

6 Reverentia, rusticitas : Caesarius of Arles to Gregory of Tours 145

7 Bishops, City, and Desert: East Rome 166

8 Regimen animarum : Gregory the Great 190

Part III The End of Ancient Christianity: A.D . 600–750 217

9 Powerhouses of Prayer: Monasticism in Western Europe 219

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