Sound Bite
Relive 1,000 years of European history through one notable family's journey, blending genetics, climate, politics, and more. This holistic approach relives ancient and medieval Europe's rise and fall with relatable, cross-disciplinary stories. Perfect for readers passionate about family origins and European history.
About the Book
Since ancient times, a dramatic pattern has repeated: civilizations rise, prosper, and then decline into chaos. This book explores this epic cycle through the eyes of a single, resilient family—the Le Strange. The journey begins before Rome, among the Celtic and Frankish warrior cultures, and follows the family’s ancestors as they emerge from the turmoil of the Dark Ages and Viking invasions.
From stewards in Brittany to key players in the Norman Conquest, the Le Strange family rose to become powerful Marcher Lords on the turbulent Welsh border. Their story provides a unique and personal perspective on the great events of the era: the signing of Magna Carta, the endless wars against the Welsh and Scots, and the Crusades. We then witness how the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death tore the fabric of feudalism apart, following the family through the decline of its baronial lines and the survival of cadet branches who transitioned into the gentry and merchant classes. This is a panoramic view of life, war, faith, and survival across a millennium.
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