The Barbarian Conversion and the Formation of Christian Kingdoms in the Middle Ages

This book explores the profound impact of the Christianization of Europe and the central role the papacy played in the formation and transformation of medieval Christendom. Beginning with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of the barbarian kingdoms, it examines how the Church's influence expanded, navigating through the complexities of religious, political, and cultural shifts. From the conversion of key rulers like Clovis I and Charlemagne to the missionary endeavors in the Slavic and Viking regions, the book delves into how Christianity shaped kingship, governance, and social order. It explores the papacy's evolving role in unifying Christendom, navigating power struggles with secular monarchs, and asserting its authority through the Crusades and spiritual interventions. The book also addresses the Church's growing wealth and influence in the Renaissance, as well as the tensions between religious authority and the rise of new intellectual, political, and religious movements, culminating in the Protestant Reformation. Through a comprehensive analysis of primary sources, theological debates, and historical events, the book provides a nuanced understanding of how the papacy, the Church, and Christian ideology were central to the development of European identity, shaping the course of history from the early medieval period to the dawn of modernity.