Henri Pirenne

Henri Pirenne was a Belgian historian known for his innovative ideas about the development of medieval Europe. He argued that the rise of Islam and the Mediterranean trade significantly shaped European history, rather than the fall of the Roman Empire alone. His "Pirenne Thesis" challenged conventional views by showing how economic and cultural shifts influenced social structures. This approach emphasized the importance of interconnectedness in historical events. Pirenne's methodology combined rigorous analysis of primary sources with a broader understanding of socio-economic factors, making him a pivotal figure in the study of medieval history and historical methodology.