Brittany and the Atlantic Archipelago, 450-1200: Contact, Myth and History

Scholars have proposed a series of theories about the origins of Brittany, influenced by its relationships with its Continental neighbors and the Atlantic Archipelago during the Viking age and the Norman Conquest. This new volume uses specialized research in language and literature, archaeology, and the cult of saints to tease apart myth and historical record, offering a fresh perspective on the region and early medieval Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 495 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the centuries following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the origins and development of Brittany, a region in northwest France, have been the subject of extensive scholarly inquiry. The historical relationships between Brittany, its continental neighbors, and the Atlantic Archipelago have played a significant role in shaping theories about the region's origins.

Scholars have proposed various theories regarding the origins of Brittany since the ninth century. These theories have been influenced by the changing dynamics between Brittany, its continental counterparts, and the Atlantic Archipelago during and after the Viking Age and the Norman Conquest. However, due to limited historical records, the history of medieval Brittany remains a relatively neglected area of research.

In this new volume, a team of distinguished scholars from various fields, including history of language and literature, archaeology, and the cult of saints, has undertaken a comprehensive examination of the region's history. The authors aim to tease apart the layers of myth and historical record to provide a fresh perspective on medieval Brittany and early medieval Europe in general.

One of the key aspects of Brittany's history is its distinctive character within the typical medieval forces of kingship, lordship, and ecclesiastical hierarchy. Despite the influence of neighboring regions, Brittany maintained its own cultural and linguistic identity throughout the Middle Ages. This new investigation offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the region and its role in the broader historical context.

The early history of Brittany is particularly fascinating, and this new investigation provides a fresh perspective on the region and its place in early medieval Europe. The authors explore various aspects of the region's history, including its political and social structures, economic development, and cultural influences. They also examine the role of Brittany in the broader context of European medieval society, including its interactions with other regions such as France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire.

The volume includes a wealth of primary sources and secondary literature, which the authors use to support their arguments and provide a comprehensive account of medieval Brittany. The authors also draw on their expertise in various fields to offer insights into the historical processes and cultural developments that shaped the region.

In conclusion, this new volume on the history of medieval Brittany is a significant contribution to the field. By combining specialized research in language and literature, archaeology, and the cult of saints, the authors have teased apart the layers of myth and historical record to provide a fresh perspective on the region and its place in early medieval Europe. The early history of Brittany is particularly fascinating, and this new investigation offers valuable insights into the region's cultural, political, and economic development. The volume will be of interest to scholars and students of medieval history, as well as anyone with an interest in the history of France and the broader European continent.

Weight: 734g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108707770