An historical geography of Europe, 450 BC - AD 1330

Every age has its own geography, separate and distinct from the geographies of earlier and succeeding ages, this 1973 book seeks to examine the complex of natural and man-made features which have provided the background of history, influencing its course and themselves modified by human action. Professor Pounds examines five short periods, each of which is not only relatively well documented, but also important in the climax of a civilisation. In a sense, each represents the climax of a longer period of historical development. The aim is to survey the whole of Europe for each of the chosen periods, not merely those areas which have been highlighted by documents and events. Northern Europe in the age of Pericles and eastern Europe in all periods are, for example, examined, alongside the better-known Mediterranean region, France and the Rhineland. Considerable use is made of maps, all specially prepared for this book. Every age has had its own geography, separate and distinct from the geographies of earlier and succeeding ages. This book seeks to examine the complex of natural and man-made features which have provided the background of history, influencing its course and themselves modified by human action. Professor Pounds examines five short periods, each of which is not only relatively well documented, but also important in the course of western civilisation. In a sense, each represents the climax of a longer period of historical development. The periods chosen are (1) the middle years of the fifth century BC, (2) the middle of the second century AD, (3) the early ninth century, (4) the years about 1100, and (5) the generation preceding the Black Death (1348-50). The aim is to survey the whole of Europe for each of these periods, not merely those ares which have been highlighted by documents and events. Northern Europe in the age of Pericles and eastern Europe in all periods are, for example, examined, alongside the better known Mediterranean region, France and the Rhineland. Considerable use is made of maps which have been specially prepared for this book. Except for a few political maps, those which frequently appear in the standard historical atlases have been avoided. Cover Every age has its own geography, separate and distinct from the geographies of earlier and succeeding ages. This 1973 book seeks to examine the complex of natural and man-made features which have provided the background of European history, influencing its course and themselves modified by human action. [v. 1] 450 B.c.-a.d. 1330 -- [v. 2] 1500-1840 -- [v. 3] 1800-1914. [by] Norman J. G. Pounds. Includes Bibliographical References.