Early Medieval Militarisation

This book explores the complexities of militarisation in early medieval Europe, highlighting its impact on society and culture. Early Medieval Militarisation is essential for understanding this transformative era.

This volume is the first comprehensive study of early medieval militarisation, examining its significance from a broad geographic and disciplinary perspective. It delves into how warfare and military roles evolved into defining characteristics of a European society on the brink of becoming medieval. The societies of ancient Europe experienced a complex and ongoing process of militarisation, which would shape the early Middle Ages in profound ways.

The process of militarisation was not straightforward; it was multifaceted and impacted all aspects of society. This included the often blurred lines between military and civilian life, the importance of weapons beyond their combat utility, and the widespread valorization of martial ideals. Early Medieval Militarisation brings together twenty insightful studies that utilize both written documentation and archaeological findings to investigate this phenomenon and its consequences for early medieval European societies.

By employing an interdisciplinary approach, the contributors to this volume break new ground in understanding the militarisation of early medieval Europe. Their findings will not only be invaluable to scholars and students in relevant fields but also to anyone interested in the complexities of early medieval history. Early Medieval Militarisation ultimately offers a rich exploration of how militaristic values permeated various aspects of life during this transformative period.