This book begins with a description of the closing years of the Roman Empire in the west and describes the course of the 5th century barbarian migrations which dislocated Roman government and culture, principally in France, Spain, Britain and northern Italy. Using archaeological evidence to supplement written sources, the author traces the growth of the kingdoms of the Goths, Franks and Saxons, culminating in the age of Charlemagne, and shows how this early renaissance in Europe was broken down by the fresh barbarian movements of the Vikings. Four visual stories treat the legend of Arthur and the Britons, settlements and house building, the victory of the church, and the royal palaces.