Europe is, in world terms, a relatively minor peninsula attached to the Eurasian land mass, yet it became one of the most innovative regions on the planet, bearing restless adventurers who traversed the globe to trade and often to settle. By the fifteenth century Europe was a driving world force, but the origins of its success have until now remained obscured in prehistory. In this magnificent book, the distinguished archaeologist Barry Cunliffe sees Europe not in terms of states and shifting land boundaries, but as a geographical niche particularly favoured in facing many seas. These and the great transpeninsular rivers ensured a rich diversity of natural resources, and encouraged the interaction of dynamic people across networks of communication and exchange. The development of these early Europeans is rooted in complex interplays, shifting balances, geographic and demographic fluidity. Weaving together titanic concepts whilst remaining sensitive to the specific incidence, this is an interdisciplinary tour de force. A bold book of exceptional scholarship and an erudite and engaging narrative, "Europe Between the Oceans" heralds an entirely new understanding of Old Europe.

About the Author

Sir Barrington Cunliffe is one of the most important and distinguished archaeologists in Europe. He is Professor of Archaeology at the University of Oxford, and is the author of over fifteen books.

Reviews

"'When history is written in this way, conventional priorities are overthrown... An admirable distillation of an enormous amount of evidence - full of what is beautiful, interesting and true.' (James Fenton, The Sunday Times (London)) 'To somebody like myself, who enjoys 'big history' (and prehistory), this supplies it with a vengeance... The author is one of our greatest living archaeologists, writing at the height of his powers and with decades of accumulated knowledge brought into play. The result is a cascade of maps, illustrations and (above all) vivid, informed, assured prose.' (Ronald Hutton, History Today) 'Barry Cunliffe's latest book represents the synthesis of half a century studying the archaeology of Europe... He has established a pre-eminent reputation for mastery of a huge corpus of Europe-wide data, and an ability to construct panoramic overviews of past epochs. His latest book is his most ambitious so far.' (Current Archaeology) 'Nothing less than a masterwork, a gloriously sweeping survey of the early history of Europe drawn by a scholar and archaeologist at the very peak of his powers.' (Alistair Moffat, The Scotsman)"