Contesting the Middle Ages : debates that are changing our narrative of Medieval history / John Aberth.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword -- Preface -- If a German migrates into your empire, do not be alarmed : the decline and fall of Rome -- From the obscurantism of the Northmen, O Lord, deliver us! : the Viking invasions -- God wills it! (or at least the Pope does) : the crusades -- I'm a Jewish, heretic, leper, but don't hold that against me : persecution of minorities -- No sex please, we're medieval : sexuality in the Middle Ages -- Hail Mary and Eve : women in medieval society -- The man who tore his eyes out over unity of form : intellectual and environmental history -- Ashes to ashes, we all fall down : the Black Death -- Always look on the bright side of death : a waning of the Middle Ages? -- Conclusion.

"Contesting the Middle Ages is a thorough exploration of recent arguments surrounding nine hotly debated topics: the decline and fall of Rome, the Viking invasions, the Crusades, the persecution of minorities, sexuality in the Middle Ages, women within Medieval society, intellectual and environmental history, the Black Death and, lastly, the waning of the Middle Ages. Sparking discussion and inspiring examination of the past and its ongoing significance in modern life, Contesting the Middle Ages is essential reading for students of Medieval history and historiography"-- Provided by publisher.