Today we step into the world of the early medieval centuries, a time when old empires fractured,

new powers emerged and entire cultures reshaped the map of human history.

It's the year 600, a moment when the Western Roman Empire has already fallen,

yet its eastern half endures as the Western Roman Empire has already fallen,

yet its eastern half endures as the Byzantine Empire,

a Greek-speaking giant holding firm against Persian rivals.

Across Europe, Germanic kingdoms rise from Rome's ruins,

while Slavic communities push deeper into the Balkans, taking advantage of shifting borders and distracted emperors.

Far beyond Europe, the great civilizations of Asia, Africa and the Americas are moving through

their own transformations.

China reunifies under the sway and flourishes under the tang.

India remains a crossroads of trade and belief.

The Axamites dominate the Red Sea.

The Maya reach their classical heights

and Japan begins its long journey towards centralised rule.

And in Arabia, a new religious and political force is about to emerge, one that will reshape the Middle East and the wider world.

This is a story of movement, collision, innovation and reinvention, a world in transition.

The History of the World Podcast, written and presented by Chris Hasler.

Volume 4, The Medieval World.

Episode 96, the medievalieval World Summary Part 1. We begin our summary of the medieval period explored throughout volume four of the podcast in the year 600.

A few generations after the fall of the Western Roman Empire,

the Eastern Roman Empire remained a powerful force.

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