A team of leading scholars in the fields of Medieval Literature and History examine the origins of European ethnic groups which subsequently developed into the nations of Europe. The contributors look at evidence for the existence of an ethnic consciousness among the dominant European groups; this later formed the basis of nation states. The reconstruction and invention of the past by medieval writers in search of ethnic origins for their own particular political or tribal groups is also studied from a literary and historical point of view.

Product Description: This volume offers for the first time a comprehensive collection of all the ancient Greek and Latin sources needed to deal with figures answering to names like Arktouros, Ardus, and Artorius, where the bearers seem to have some kind of Arthurian character...read more

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Traces the life and accomplishments of the ninth-century British king

Product Description: This book marks a turning point in the historiography of Early Ireland. In it, the author reconciles the archaic nature of Irish political life with the brilliant civilization that flourished around it. He argues for the Irish landscape as being a major factor in the evolution and preservation of both archaic tribal institutions and the brilliant cultural achievement...read more