Where the Middle Ages Begin
Discover how twelfth-century monks at Glastonbury Abbey claimed to find the tomb of King Arthur and Guinevere. Explore Gerald of Wales’ dramatic account, rival chronicles, and the enduring legend of Arthur’s grave.
What everyday objects did people use in the Middle Ages? From clothing and household necessities to tools for work and warfare, these 25 medieval items were essential to daily life and shaped how people lived, ate, and survived.
Delve into the pivotal figures of the Middle Ages whose enduring legacies shaped the course of history. From visionary leaders and profound scholars to prolific writers and formidable warriors, these individuals left an indelible mark on medieval society.
Discover the 50 most significant events of the Middle Ages, spanning the years 500 to 1500.
Here are seven vivid facts about colour in the Middle Ages
In medieval times, many unique jobs, such as Ale-wife and Groom of the Stool, were essential but have since vanished. Discover these obsolete occupations and how historical changes led to their disappearance.
Are you wanting to talk more like someone from the Middle Ages? We have a list of 30 great sayings and proverbs that you can use in your conversations.
Have you wondered what a medieval king did on a typical day? Thanks to Christine de Pizan, we have an account of what daily life was like for King Charles V of France.
Some of our most popular phrases have a long history, including some that go back to the Middle Ages.
Want to know what kind of jobs there were in the Middle Ages? A unique source from the 15th century gives us some beautiful images of medieval people at work.
Discover how twelfth-century monks at Glastonbury Abbey claimed to find the tomb of King Arthur and Guinevere. Explore Gerald of Wales’ dramatic account, rival chronicles, and the enduring legend of Arthur’s grave.
This online course, taught by James Barnaby, starts on September 18th, with live sessions each Thursday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm EST.
This book explores the life and legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, the German craftsman credited with inventing movable type. It offers a nuanced perspective on his role in the history of printing while shedding light on what we truly know about his work and personal story.
Discover how the Knights Templar acted as medieval training consultants during the Second Crusade, bringing discipline, tactics, and military innovation to save a faltering crusader army.
A 1335 trial in Giaveno reveals the flaws of the medieval Inquisition—fragmentation, community resistance, and gender bias—that allowed heresy to endure despite brutal methods.
This six-week course, taught by C.J. Adrien, begins September 16th. It features video presentations, reading resources and weekly live discussions with the instructor from 2:00 to 3:00 pm EST each Tuesday (All sessions are recorded so you can watch them at your convenience).
Archaeologists in Germany are uncovering hidden medieval buildings beneath Neuenburg Castle’s great tower. These new excavations are reshaping the history of this fortress founded in the 11th century.
Discover 20 common phrases with roots in the Middle Ages, from “no man’s land” to “red-letter day,” and explore their fascinating medieval origins.
What songs did medieval children grow up with? From soothing lullabies sung by mothers to the first lessons at cathedral song schools, music was an essential part of childhood in the Middle Ages.
Among the most striking images of Jesus Christ is his mock coronation with the Crown of Thorns. But what if this was never a crown of thorns at all? This book explores the origins of the symbol, its transformation across centuries, and the ways medieval kings appropriated the imagery for their own authority.
A 14th-century tower in Siedlęcin holds a secret: the only medieval wall paintings of Lancelot still in their original place. Now, researchers are using digital tools to reveal its hidden details.
Discover how the Assassins and Templars used fear, fanaticism, and the strategy of death to survive and shape power during the Crusades.
Queens played a pivotal role in bringing Christianity to new parts of Europe – or at least that’s how the story goes. This book explores eight cases in which women married pagan rulers and worked to introduce and establish the Christian faith among their husbands and the people they ruled.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Robert Bartlett about the manuscripts we’ve lost by accident and by design, and how these precious documents are being preserved today.
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered the medieval seal of Esger Juul, Archbishop of Lund in the early 14th century. The find sheds light on his life, family origins, and role in Danish history.
This five-week course, taught by Danièle Cybulskie, begins on Friday, September 12th. Live classes run each week at 1:00pm Eastern U.S. time (All sessions are recorded so you can watch them at your convenience).
Silesia, a region in eastern Europe now divided between southwest Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany, was once a powerful duchy in the Middle Ages. This book explores its politics, society, and the people who shaped its history.
In the 10th century, the wealthiest and most dazzling centre of Europe was Madinat al-Zahra, the Radiant City, built as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba. This volume brings together fifteen essays that explore the history and legacy of this extraordinary palace-city, alongside the exquisite artefacts crafted within its walls.
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in August, which includes research about the depiction of Vikings in Icelandic sagas and fish farming in China.
Explore how medieval writers and artists depicted the moon goddesses Chang’e and Diana, revealing their beauty, power, loneliness, and lasting influence in literature, art, and legend.
Why did the medieval Irish bury butter in peat bogs? Discover the surprising reasons behind bog butter, from preservation and protection to ritual offerings and curious modern finds.
Discover how Carolingian soldiers learned the art of war, from feigned retreats to sword drills. A surviving manual and eyewitness accounts shed light on military training in the Early Middle Ages.
When the Black Death swept through Europe, priests were among those who paid the highest price. Risking their lives to comfort the dying, they stood on the front lines of faith against the deadliest plague of the Middle Ages.
Ancient DNA reveals the origins and migrations of the Slavs, showing how families reshaped Europe’s genetic and cultural map in the Middle Ages.
This book explores the life and legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, the German craftsman credited with inventing movable type. It offers a nuanced perspective on his role in the history of printing while shedding light on what we truly know about his work and personal story.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Robert Bartlett about the manuscripts we’ve lost by accident and by design, and how these precious documents are being preserved today.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with David Woodman about Æthelstan’s life, his rule, and his attempt to unite the kingdoms of Britain.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with James Ross about the life of Robert de Vere – the infamous bff of King Richard II – his impact on the kingdom, and why it’s always worth taking a second look at the facts.
Maid, hero, heretic, saint – Joan of Arc is one of the most fascinating figures of the Middle Ages. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Deborah McGrady about Joan’s incredible life and death, her voice, and her complex and enduring legacy.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Myra Stokes and Ad Putter about where we find love letters, and the way people wrote and sent them, along with a couple of spicy – and hilarious – examples.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Sharon Kinoshita about why Marco travelled so far, what sort of detail he wanted to share with his readers, and what was going on in the world around him.
