The 500 years following the fall of the Roman Empire continue to be widely regarded as the "Dark Ages" of Europe, a time when barbarian invaders, superstitions, and the struggle for survival prevail.

Julia Smith dismantles this view, revealing that, on the contrary, it is a period of great vigor and cultural diversity. The author presents men and women from all social levels, from slaves to emperors, and by utilizing a vast array of original sources, she allows us to "converse" with them through their own language.

The book "Europe after Rome" offers a comprehensive assessment of the early Middle Ages as a dynamic and defining period of European history. It vividly captures everyday life and work, society, religion, and the culture of the time. It illuminates the roles and relationships of men and women, lords and subjects, priests and the populace.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]