Presents an overview of the social structure, religion, cities and towns, trade, castles, Crusades, education, and other aspects of life in medieval Europe.

Read about the rise of many of medieval Europe's greatest cities, from the canals of Venice to the crowded streets of London. Learn how these cities were founded, how they were governed, the trade they spurred, and what everyday life was like for a city's people.

Describes daily life in Europe during the Middle Ages, looking at the social hierarchy of the feudal system, through which kings and lords became rich while peasants remained poor.

Traces the history of the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages which followed through a description of common objects, tools, clothes, dwellings, food, and day-to-day activities of the people in both the cities and in the country.

Text plus historical and contemporary maps provide an overview of the history and culture of Europe during the Middle Ages.