This course will explore the history and culture of the Gaelic-speaking world and neighbouring territories from the end of Roman Britain to the beginning of the Viking Age—a period of immense social, political and religious change in these islands. Students will be introduced to the literature of early medieval Ireland – stories of miracle-working saints, visions of hell, and voyages across wondrous and monstrous seas. A special comparative lecture will draw out common threads in the history of Ireland and Aksum (modern-day Ethiopia), two non Roman territories that became Christian at roughly the same time. Students will also explore the connections between Irish territories and the neighbouring Pictish, British and English kingdoms—this will provide an opportunity to explore how the peoples of this era defined themselves and to reflect on the later regional and religious identities of Ireland and Britain.