ローマ帝国崩壊、キリスト教、イスラームの発展といった、歴史上の重要な出来事の数々を経験したのが、歴史学上で「古代末期」（西暦300年頃〜800年頃）として区別されている時代です。古代から中世への移り変わっていった変革期の歴史的論争を、主な人物とテーマを合わせて紹介しつつ、探っていきます。
   

• Engaging introduction to an intriguing period in ancient history
• Discusses late antiquity in relation to other periods in history, including Byzantium and the Fall of Rome
• Thematic approach introducing all of the main themes, individuals, and historiographical controversies of the time
• Considers the relationship between the world of late antiquity and the modern world, and the interplay between the ancient and the modern

  
Late antiquity: decline or transformation, conflict or interaction?
 
Late antiquity is the period (c.300 - c.800) in which barbarian invasions ended Roman Empire in Western Europe by the fifth century and Arab invasions ended Roman rule over the eastern and southern Mediterranean coasts by the seventh century. 
 
Asking 'what, where, and when' Gillian Clark presents an introduction to the concept of late antiquity and the events of its time. Not only a period of cultural clashes, political restructurings, and geographical controversies, Clark also demonstrates the sheer richness and diversity of religious life as well as the significant changes to trade, economy, archaeology, and towns. Encapsulating significant developments through vignettes, she reflects upon the period by asking the question 'How much can we recognise in the world of late antiquity?'