. . . "Explores the five momentous centuries that link the Classical and Modern worlds and shows how the fall of the Roman Empire gave rise to three great civilizations: Medieval Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic Caliphate. Examines many features of the period between A.D. 253 and A.D. 750, including the development of these unique civilizations, their memorable political and religious leaders, and daily life in the late antique world." . . . . . . "History" . . . . . . . . "Late antiquity crisis and transformation" . . . . "Rome" . . "Europe" . . . . "Middle East" . . "To 814" . . "Byzantine Empire" . .