The History of Early Medieval Towns of North and Central Italy: The contribution of archaeological evidence

This short monograph surveys the current state of archaeological thinking on the early medieval town, using case studies from northern Italy. Topics under discussion include the extent of de-urbanisation, the continuity or otherwise of trade and commerce, Christianisation and its effect on town layout and the wider landscape, increased fortifications and differences in construction techniques. Overall Gonella concludes that the evidence points very much to an 'age of transition'.