This work derives a special interest from the circumstances amidst which it is published. Ancient Europe has reached one of those solemn epochs of its history when, divided within itself and uncertain of the turn which events may take, it finds itself face to face with the problem of its future destiny, demanding an immediate solution. What will that solution be? The emotions of the present may incline us to look back regretfully upon that past which reminds us of so much that is great and noble, in spite of its many and inevitable drawbacks, and which, by showing us the origin of modern society, by revealing to us the manner of its birth and its onward progress, may give us the key to its present critical condition when a profound and universal transformation seems about to take place. It is superfluous to say anything about the engravings contained in this volume. They have been selected with the same view that dictated the publication of those appearing in the two previous volumes--a desire to produce a living image of the past. Each volume forms a collection of archæological treasures got together after the most laborious research; they are attractive to the eye, full of interest and instruction, and we feel that our readers will have in them a complete museum such as has not hitherto been within their reach. PAUL LACROIX. [Illustration] [Illustration] TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page FEUDALISM 1 Origin.--Barbaric Laws.--Enfeoffment.--Charlemagne and the Church.--First Construction of Strongholds.--Vassal and Suzerain.--Feudal Eights.--The Truce of God.--Feudal Churches and Abbeys.--Communal Principles.--New Townships.--Origin of the French Bourgeoisie.--The English Magna Charta.--Alienation of Fiefs.--Liberation of the Serfs.--Imperial Cities.--Feudal Rights of the Bishops.--St. Louis.--Wars between France and England.--_La Bulle d’Or._--The States-General.--Origin of the Third Estate. WAR AND ARMIES 38 The Invasions of the Barbarians.--Attila.--Theodoric seizes Italy.--Organizations of Military Fiefs.--Defences of Towns.--Totila and his Tactics.--The Military Genius of Charlemagne.--Military Vassalage.--Communal Militia.--Earliest Standing Armies.--Loss of Technical Tradition.--The Condottieri.--The Gendarmerie.--The _Lances Fournies_.--Weakening of Feudal Military Obligations.--The French Army in the Time of Louis XI. and his Successors.--Absence of Administrative Arrangement.--Reforms.--Mercenary Troops.--Siege Operations and Engines. NAVAL MATTERS 74