Dorsey Armstrong

The Great Courses

The Middle Ages were far from dark. On the contrary, the era was full of fascinating figures and world-altering events. Learning and innovation flourished, with the printing press, Arabic numerals, and the heavy plow all being introduced into Western society during this time. Yet despite these developments exerting far-reaching influence over the course of history, few people have a firm grasp of the medieval narrative or how its ripples gave way to everything that followed. For an accurate picture of how the political, social, and religious structure of present-day Europe came to be-and even why we're speaking English today-studying the key events between the years 500 to 1500 is of critical import. Presented in 24 gripping lectures by medievalist and popular Great Courses Professor Dorsey Armstrong of Purdue University, Turning Points in Medieval History delivers an unparalleled look at these moments that profoundly changed the arc of history.