The subject is historical and cultural, and focuses on the unfolding of the big movements and people that have shaped Western History from Roman times to the late 17th century. It would be informative and exploratory in asking questions, and suitable for all students of history and political philosophy at postgraduate level, as well as for a wider readership. The history of Western Europe from the fall of the Roman Empire (478 AD) until the end of the 17th century saw a process of discontinuity, deconstruction and loss turn, through the various reengagements and regroupings of the former barbarian invaders, into increasingly self-defined and viable national groupings. Over the centuries of the Dark Ages and early medieval period, these would consolidate further into ever-more closely defined nation states. The Renaissance, Reformation and Age of Discovery carried the process further and through colonialism and mercantilism saw the restitution of concepts of empire spread globally.