The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Global Medieval Life and Culture: Volume 3, Asia and Oceania

The period we know as the Middle Ages, roughly the years 400-1400, saw the formation of ideas and institutions that mark our modern societies. Developments as disparate as the foundation of Islam and the emergence of the middle class occurred during this pivotal millennium. Although historical study of the Middle Ages has traditionally focused on Western Europe, modern historians recognize the complex global nature of this era. For all major world regions, this important reference work offers in-depth essays on broad themes, short entries on specific topics, and carefully selected primary documents to help readers more fully understand this critically important period.