I'm planning on picking up Maurice Druon's Accursed King's series, detailing the demise of the Capetian Dynasty, and realized I don't quite know a lot of early European history. I have a deep love for history, but was mostly taught American history throughout high school. What are some of early Europe's best stories and historical figures to learn about, and what texts (novels or otherwise) would you recommend to learn from?
When you say early what do mean? Pre roman empire bronze age stuff? Roman antiquity or fall of western empire and early middle ages stuff?
Europe - a history by Norman Davies is a vast tome that sits on my shelf only being dipped into now and then but covers from pre history to fall of the soviet union.
Millennium by tom Holland is a good read and cover 900 ad to 1100 ad. Don't know if that's what you after time wise and I have only started it but it is enjoyable so far, I have no idea if the history is credible or not though but a good read.