The perspective on the development of liturgy has changed significantly in recent times. For example, the notions of a "golden" early period, a supposedly "dark" Middle Ages, or a "unified liturgy" have given way to more differentiated models. Liturgical studies today focus on altered interpretations of testimonies from liturgical history, new sources and methods, as well as questions that take actual worship practices into account. Experts discuss the state of knowledge for various epochs of liturgical history in this book and develop further questions. They demonstrate the significance of the history of worship for theology and the church, as well as for the humanities and cultural sciences.