The project "History of European Civilization" covers the period from ancient times to the twentieth century and is divided into three main blocks: Antiquity: Rome, Greece, the Middle East; Middle Ages: Early Middle Ages, High Middle Ages, Late Middle Ages, XV century; Modernity: XVI - XX centuries. In creating this extraordinary project, its compiler - a prominent Italian philosopher, literary critic, writer Umberto Eco - was guided by multidisciplinary principles: History, Philosophy, Mythology and Religion, Fine Arts, Literature, Science and Technology, Music. Articles to the sections are written by leading Italian experts in each field. Volume "The Middle Ages. Cathedrals. Knights. Cities "covers a significant period - from the beginning of the XI century to the Renaissance, when after the anticipation of the end of the world and the coming of Christ in Europe begins the rapid development of society. The population is growing rapidly, new cities are emerging, the center of which are Christian cathedrals, there are craft shops and manufactories, trade is developing. The Capetians are trying to unite France, William the Conqueror is reorganizing state power in England, the Reconquista is gaining momentum in Spain, Europe is "expanding" to the East, the wars do not stop. And that is why the main figure and symbol of the Middle Ages is the knight, who is the ideal embodiment of feudal society, because it combines military virtues with Christian, which is reflected in literature and art. The publication is supplemented by rich illustrative material: world-famous masterpieces, first editions from many museums around the world and others.
