The Forge of Christendom

In The Forge of Christendom, Tom Holland explores the transformative period leading up to the first millennium, when the fragmented Christians of Europe, facing external threats and the anticipation of the Second Coming, were compelled to envision a lasting future. As the world did not end as expected, Western Europe embarked on a monumental journey, witnessing the rise of caliphs, Viking sea kings, and the establishment of castles and knighthood. This era marks a pivotal moment in history, signaling the emergence of Western Europe as a distinct and expansionist power.