An accessible and succinct account of the story of Europe from its ancient foundations to the 21st century, this book details the events, personalities, ideas, and disasters that have shaped Europe. It is broken down into six easily digestible chapters: Classical Antiquity (2600 BCE to 600 CE); Medieval (600-1500); Reform and Enlightenment (1500-1780); Age of Revolutions (1780-1914); the Wars (1914-45); and the Making of Contemporary Europe (1945 to present). It begins with the first ancient culture to emerge in Europe: the Minoans. It then proceeds chronologically to the present day, taking in not just significant historical events but also overarching social, technological, and cultural trends and their impact. Throughout the book there are mini-biographies of notable individuals (such as Julius Caesar, Catherine the Great, and Napoleon Bonaparte) who have been most significant in European history. It is also packed with amazing facts, details, and maps that will give the reader a vivid understanding of Europe's past.