Description

The preparation of an atlas of the history of Europe during the Middle Ages presents numerous and complex difficulties. In the first place the period to be covered stretches from the late fourth century down to the late fifteenth (or even early sixteenth) century. In addition, however, an atlas of this kind evidently cannot be confined to Western Europe: Byzantium and Eastern Europe have to be included, as indeed do such important matters as the exploits of crusading Europeans overseas, the impact of Muslims or Mongols, travel abroad, and the early
voyages of discovery. In terms of social groupings equally formidable problems present themselves. Obviously the main political events from the fall of the Roman Empire down to the battles and
treaties of the Hundred Years War have to be included, but so too do the activities of other protagonists; for example, popes and anti-popes, those who attended and participated in the great Church Councils or in parliamentary assemblies, Italian and Hanseatic merchants, tax collectors, women, colonists, peasants, shepherds (and their sheep), Jews and New Christians, heretics, writers and translators, troubadours, and architects and artists. Despite the difficulties inherent in such a task, however, the inclusion of such varied facets offers some positive advantages. For in addition to the emperors, kings, princes and great nobles, the artisans and peasants who participated in the French Jacquerie or the English revolt of 1381 left their mark on the period, as indeed did the humble Béguines and Beghards.
An atlas is an essential tool for the study of medieval history.