France Before France: 481-888

France before France. 481/888. For a long time, history juxtaposed simple images to define the four centuries from 481 to 888: uncouth and incapable Merovingians were succeeded by glorious and conquering Carolingians. Research in recent decades, based on a re-evaluation of written sources and advances in archaeology, has freed this period from the shackles of received ideas. This book, in the form of an assessment, offers new perspectives. It shows in particular that the Merovingian kings were the last continuators of antiquity and that while the first Carolingians brought almost all of Western Europe under their authority, the Empire proved to be a fragile and diverse reality. Thus, the authors bring the facts back to the realities of the time, rejecting anachronisms and exaggerations, and supporting their presentation with texts and maps as well as abundant iconography. This renewed history has a major appeal: beyond traditional representations, it strives to reach reality.