Mohammed and Charlemagne

Focusing on the interplay between Islam and the rise of the Frankish Empire, this historical work argues against traditional views of the Roman Empire's collapse. Henri Pirenne posits that the Muslim conquests transformed the Mediterranean into a barrier, isolating western Europe and allowing for the emergence of a new governance under Charlemagne. His analysis emphasizes the profound impact of Islamic expansion on European history, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of early medieval Europe.