Covering a colourful period of medieval history from the schism between the eastern and western churches to the death of Dante, The Two Cities provides an introduction to key topics such as:The CrusadesThe expansionist force of the NormansMajor developments in the way kings, emperors and popes exercised their powersA great flourishing of art and architectureThe foundation of the very first universitiesFour major sections covering The Social and Economic Structure, The Church, Political Change and Perceptions of the World, analyse and discuss the delicate relationship between the spiritual and secular worlds – the two 'cities' of the title. This third edition has been updated throughout to incorporate new literature and ideas that have emerged since the previous edition including sexuality and the environment, as well as additional material on Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Making extensive use of primary sources and new trends in historical research and scholarship, this book provides a fresh approach to students in the most rounded, lively and integrated view of the High Middle Ages available.
