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The Carolingians: A Family Who Forged Europe
Pierre Riché traces the emergence of Europe from the seventh to the early eleventh century, the period that witnessed the rise, fall, and revival of the Carolinian Empire. It was during this time the first contours of a broad new civilization and the first visible signs of European unity are discernable.
Until the seventh century Europe was simply a geographic term; as Isidore of Seville defined it, Europe was "the space that extended from the river Don to Spain and the Atlantic." By the ninth century, however, Europe had gradually acquired a collective being with a shared identity. The political, cultural, and spiritual activity of laymen and churchmen had fostered the creation of a common European fold, which stretched from the Atlantic to the Vistula, and the plains of the middle Danube.
The transformation was due in large part to the Carolinians, their relations, and their allies, who together became the masters of Gaul and then much of the West. Riché traces the destiny of the Carolingians and the parallel history of Europe, stressing the roles of the leaders who imposed themselves by force, diplomacy, and culture.
Until the seventh century Europe was simply a geographic term; as Isidore of Seville defined it, Europe was "the space that extended from the river Don to Spain and the Atlantic." By the ninth century, however, Europe had gradually acquired a collective being with a shared identity. The political, cultural, and spiritual activity of laymen and churchmen had fostered the creation of a common European fold, which stretched from the Atlantic to the Vistula, and the plains of the middle Danube.
The transformation was due in large part to the Carolinians, their relations, and their allies, who together became the masters of Gaul and then much of the West. Riché traces the destiny of the Carolingians and the parallel history of Europe, stressing the roles of the leaders who imposed themselves by force, diplomacy, and culture.
424 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 22, 2017
Good book to give an overview. But, it's a bit like drinking from a firehose with all the names and places.
February 17, 2026
The Carolingians: A Family Who Forged Europe by Pierre Riché is a detailed book about the Carolingian dynasty. It explains the main events and the role of important rulers. The book can be a bit hard if you don’t know much about medieval history, but the chapter summaries help a lot. Riché also shows how politics, culture, and society shaped the era. It is very useful for anyone who wants a strong understanding of early medieval Europe. Overall, it is informative, interesting, and worth reading.
May 23, 2025
Fantastisches Buch, das die gesamte Geschichte der Karolinger bis hin zu den anfängen der Ottonen und Kapetinger abdeckt.
August 13, 2015
The Carolingians is a book about the Carolingians, a Frankish ruling dynasty. Carolingian rulers include Otto I and Charlemagne. This book describes the Carolingians and their impact on European society. It is an invaluable reference for readers wishing to learn about the Carolingians and their role in medieval Europe.
January 23, 2012
A valuable reference. One of the few very readable yet scholarly books on early French history written in English.
July 7, 2010
Read portions of this for thesis research. Must go back and finish.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews