The Merovingian Kingdoms and the Mediterranean World: Revisiting the Sources

This book explores the Merovingian kingdoms in Gaul within a broader Mediterranean context, providing new insights into their politics, religion, and culture. It examines various relevant issues, such as identity formation, diplomatic relations, cultural transformation, and attitudes towards the "other," using primary sources to contextualize the discussions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book delves into the intricate tapestry of the Merovingian kingdoms in Gaul, shedding light on their unique position within the broader Mediterranean realm. In the past, their politics and culture have often been perceived through a narrow local lens, but as the compelling papers compiled in this volume vividly illustrate, the Merovingian kingdoms forged intricate and multifaceted political, religious, and socio-cultural connections with their Mediterranean counterparts. Spanning from the Visigothic Spain in the West to the Byzantine Empire in the East, and from Anglo-Saxon England in the North to North-Africa in the South, these kingdoms were deeply intertwined in a web of interdependence.

The papers presented here offer fresh perspectives on the history of the Merovingian kingdoms by exploring a range of pertinent topics, including identity formation, diplomatic relations, cultural transformation, and attitudes towards the "other." Each paper begins with a brief excerpt from primary sources, serving as a catalyst for discussing broader issues. The diverse viewpoints of these sources and their contextualization form the foundation of the analysis, ensuring that discussions are accessible to students and non-specialists while maintaining the highest academic standards.

The Merovingian kingdoms, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean, played a pivotal role in shaping the political, religious, and cultural landscape of the ancient world. Their interactions with neighboring regions not only influenced their own development but also had a profound impact on the broader Mediterranean civilization. By examining the various papers in this volume, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and interconnectedness of the Merovingian kingdoms and their role in the larger historical narrative.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526629685