On the Pirenne Thesis

[King Dylan]

I believe it ended once the Western Roman Empire fell and land was divided between many local lords (the middle ages). It makes no sense to say the Eastern Roman Empire continued to carry the torch, considering it survived to 1453, which is sometimes considered the beginning of Renaissance.

I think the best way to describe period of Antiquity is simple. One civilized world versus barbarians. It ended when that civilized world collapsed and barbarians became the civilized. Even though the Eastern Roman Empire still existed, it lived along side the Kingdom of France, The Holy Roman empire, etc, during the Middle Ages. So in the end, I conclude that it ended when the Western Roman Empire fell to it's knees.

[Boleslav]

The answer to this question depends on how one defines antiquity.

[Gnerphk]

I disagree, Bole. The answer to this question determines how one defines antiquity.