Online Courses: Tolkien and his Medieval Sources
Discover the medieval world behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth! Join medieval scholar Dr. Larissa Tracy for two online courses exploring the myths, legends, and literature that inspired The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and more.
The Medieval Origins of Demonology and Witchcraft: From Demonic Illusion to the Witches’ Sabbath
Explore the medieval origins of demonology and witchcraft, from beliefs in demonic illusion to the rise of the witches’ sabbath.
Medieval Building and Silver Coins Unearthed in Bulgaria
Archaeologists excavating the medieval city of Rusokastro in southeastern Bulgaria have uncovered a large stone building, along with silver coins dating to the…
Five Remarkable Medieval Tournaments and Jousts
Medieval tournaments were more than contests of strength and skill. From elaborate spectacles to unexpected confrontations, Steven Muhlberger reveals just how unpredictable jousting and tournaments could be in the Middle Ages.
Two Stolen Byzantine Icons Returned to Cyprus After 50 Years
Two stolen 14th-century Byzantine icons depicting Matthew and Mark have been returned to Cyprus after more than 50 years.
The Medieval Walking Dead
In 1091, a medieval priest encountered a terrifying army of the dead in Normandy, revealing medieval beliefs about ghosts, punishment and the afterlife.
Medieval Medicine’s Connection to Ancient Egyptian Mummies Revealed by New Study
New research reveals a surprising connection between medieval medicine and ancient Egyptian mummies, with chemical evidence of aloe in embalming materials.
Did Medieval Merchants Invent Corporate Branding?
A new study reveals how medieval merchants used distinctive marks to build trust, establish reputations and create early forms of corporate branding.
Rare Medieval Manuscripts Return to Display at German Library
Rare medieval manuscripts, including the ninth-century Hildebrandslied, return to public display as Germany’s historic Murhard Library reopens after renovation.
Marriage and Family in the Byzantine Empire
Marriage and family were central to Byzantine society, shaping property, inheritance, gender roles, social status, and networks of kinship.
Archaeologists Discover Long-Lost Early Medieval Church Near Venice
Archaeologists have discovered a long-lost early medieval church near Venice, revealing new evidence about the origins of the city and its Christian history.
20 Myths about the Middle Ages
Here’s the truth behind 20 common myths about the Middle Ages, from Viking helmets and medieval hygiene to witch hunts, warfare, food and daily life.
The Battle of Murten (1476)
Charles the Bold once again faces the Swiss Confederation, this time at the Battle of Murten (also known as Morat). In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore the battle and explain how it ended in disaster for the Burgundians.
DNA Study Reveals How Germanic Migrations Changed Medieval Iberia
Ancient DNA reveals how Visigoths, Suebi and other Germanic migrants shaped early medieval Iberia without replacing its Hispano-Roman population.
The 10 Most Important Cities of the Medieval World
Discover the 10 most important cities of the medieval world, from Constantinople and Baghdad to Venice and Angkor, and how they shaped history.
How Did Medieval People Tell If Someone Was Dead?
How did medieval people determine if someone was dead? Explore the physical signs of death and how families, midwives, and physicians recognised them.
Gunnhild, Mother of Kings: What Do We Really Know About This Viking Age Queen?
Gunnhild, Mother of Kings, was a powerful Viking Age queen whose reputation for witchcraft, murder and political intrigue was shaped by medieval sagas.
How Powerful Were Medieval Kingdoms? A Venetian Assessment from the Fifteenth Century
A fifteenth-century Venetian report reveals how medieval states compared in military strength and wealth, from England and France to the Ottoman Empire.
Rare Coin of Saint Olaf Discovered in Norway’s Largest Viking Hoard
A rare coin of Saint Olaf has been discovered in Norway’s largest Viking Age hoard, marking the first find of its type in the country since 1924.
Mysterious Skeleton at Westminster Abbey May Belong to Medieval Abbot
New research suggests that a mysterious skeleton found in a Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey may belong to an Anglo-Saxon abbot.
How Were Medieval Armies Organised? Lessons from a Thirteenth-Century Battle
How were medieval armies organised? David Bachrach examines the Battle of Ane in 1227 to explore the roles of knights, professional soldiers and peasants.
The politics of ignorance between theology and imperial power, with Lea Niccolai
A conversation with Lea Niccolai on the challenge faced by emperors and theologians who claimed authority on the basis of their religious positions while simultaneously admitting that the truth about God lay beyond reach. How did they cope with this self-professed ignorance or deploy it as an asset in polemics, e.g., against heretics who presumed to know too much?
Archaeologists Uncover 10th-Century Building at Lost Medieval Royal Palace in Germany
Archaeologists uncover a 10th-century stone building at the lost royal palace of Helfta in Germany, revealing new details about life under Otto the Great.
Medieval Portraits of Milan’s Duchesses Restored in Italy
A fifteenth-century portal featuring sculpted portraits of Milan’s medieval duchesses has been restored at the Certosa di Pavia in northern Italy.