After Rome's Fall

Scholars assembled by invitation contribute these essays, which examine how the early Middle Ages have been written about, both in medieval times and by modern historians. Several figures receive sustained attention, among them the sixth-century writer Cassiodorus, the chronicler Gregory of Tours, the ninth-century authors Jonas of Orleans and Lupus of Ferrieres, Fredegar, the Turin bishop Claudius, the twelfth-century traveler Benjamin of Tudela, and the du Tillet brothers. Anonymous sources also come under scrutiny, including the Royal Frankish Annals, the Tale of Rigrannus of Le Mans, and the Plan of St. Gall.

The chapters take up a broad set of questions about the period. They consider warfare, ethnic identity, claims of divine descent, and the roles of gender, aristocratic power, and monastic life under the Carolingians. Charlemagne and his dynasty are a recurring focus.