Europe's relationship with culture, even at the most basic level,
dates back to at least 20,000 BCE. The Venus of Willedorf
and the cave paintings of Altamira and Lascaux are examples
of the presence of civilization in Europe thousands of years
ago. By 5000 BC, evidence proves that areas of Europe had
begun to show hierarchical societies and a firm agricultural
background had been formed by many of these societies.
While a clear division of boundaries did not exist back then,
the history of Europe if we go back to thousands of years ago,
during the Neolithic age, can be mainly traced through their
settlements and tools.
A strong political and social era did not emerge before the
Roman and Byzantine period. Thus, Europe's history began to
take form when the Roman's empire rose to its glory. Europe
has undoubtedly seen different periods of settlement before the
Roman Empire as well, but evidence, clear dates and
archaeology is at its minimal during these periods.
While many people completely believe that history is somewhat
similar to story-telling, the only thing that makes a difference is
the presence of facts and evidence when it comes to history.
Every historian has to comb through each fact closely before
choosing what actually happened from what is being purported
as may have happened.
The facts of European history have been put together in this
book. The chapters are named primarily after an event that
may have been the most prominent one during a period, but
every chapter will cover more than just that event. It will cover
the things that led to the event and the ones after the event
as well.
Every era had some striking events that changed the way
Europeans led their lives. From periods of anarchy to golden
rules and back to chaos again, Europe, from the time it has
known power and politics, has been controlled and ruled by
many powerful people.
The boundaries within which these events happened may not
have been recognized as what is considered Europe today. At
that time, rulers knew their empires and they knew the regions
across which their powers lay, and as historians try to gather
evidence today, we can finally put the pieces together to
understand and study the great European history.
