Features Archive
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Was the White Ship disaster mass murder?
Posted on May 21, 2013 | No CommentsIt was perhaps the worst maritime disaster of the Middle Ages, not just because it cost 300 lives, but because one of them was the heir to the Anglo-Norman Empire. One scholar has a theory that the sinking of the White Ship on the night of November 25, 1120 was not a tragic accident, rather a case of mass murder. -
Learning about the Middle Ages at Indiana University
Posted on May 16, 2013 | No CommentsIn 2008, I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Medieval Archaeology, after completing a senior thesis focusing on Viking colonization and urban environments. How did I come to have such a specialized degree at a landlocked American university? Well, definitely not by following a straight and narrow path! -
The Medieval Archaeology Masters program at the University of York
Posted on May 13, 2013 | No CommentsDanielle Trynoski reviews the Master of Arts in Medieval Archaeology program at the University of York -
Game of Thrones – Review of Season 3 Episode 7: The Bear and the Maiden Fair
Posted on May 13, 2013 | No CommentsThis week, we get a special treat: George R. R. Martin wrote this episode. If you’re expecting another Battle of Blackwater, you’re not going to find it. This is a slower episode with basic storyline movement and few exciting scenes. -
The Borgias – Review of Season 3 Episode 5 The Wolf and the Lamb
Posted on May 13, 2013 | No CommentsOn this week's episode of The Borgias, Lucrezia tearfully gives up Giovanni to Rodrigo and Vanozza. Forces against the Borgias gather at Forli, Cesare makes friends with the French and Rodrigo invites new scandal into his bed. -
Book Review: Shadow on the Crown
Posted on May 4, 2013 | No CommentsA review of Patricia Bracewell's book: Shadow on the Crown. -
Vikings – Review of Episode 9: All Change
Posted on April 29, 2013 | No CommentsThe season finale of Vikings - an angry wife, a decimated village, a pregnant lover and treacherous brother. -
Did people in the Middle Ages take baths?
Posted on April 13, 2013 | No CommentsA closer look shows that baths and bathing were actually quite common in the Middle Ages, but in a different way than one might expect. -
Castle for Sale in Italy: Montegualandro Castle
Posted on April 4, 2013 | No CommentsThis castle for sale in Italy dates back to the ninth century and comes with a medieval church and prison -
Hug a Medievalists Day
Posted on March 30, 2013 | No CommentsEvery March 31st is International Hug a Medievalist Day! We interview Sarah Laseke, who started the day in 2011, on how she came up with the idea. -
Castle for Sale in Texas
Posted on March 20, 2013 | No CommentsThe medieval look includes two turrets, a moat-like walkway, and gargoyles along the walls! -
BOOKS: Happy St. Patrick Day! New reads to celebrate Medieval Ireland!
Posted on March 17, 2013 | No CommentsBOOKS: Happy St. Patrick Day! New reads to celebrate Medieval Ireland! -
Vikings – Review of Episode 2: Wrath of Northmen
Posted on March 11, 2013 | No CommentsA little preparation, a little prayer, a little plunder... -
Celtic Search Talk III: Irish Classical Studies and the Irish History of Troy
Posted on March 8, 2013 | No CommentsThis was part of a series of papers given at the University of Toronto in competition for a position in the Celtic Studies department. This paper focused on the reception of literature and the reception of the classics in medieval Ireland. -
Castle for Sale in Scotland
Posted on March 5, 2013 | No CommentsThis 14th-century Scottish keep is surrounded by an 18th-century estate with homes and gardens. Located the on the Isle of Bute, the current owners are renting out five of its cottages for tourists. -
Sex in the Middle Ages
Posted on February 14, 2013 | No CommentsHere are some of the more interesting pieces of research we have uncovered about sex in the Middle Ages. -
The Progression of the Fork: From Diabolical to Divine
Posted on February 10, 2013 | No CommentsThis paper is about 'Design and the Tools of the Table, 1500–2005' curated as part of the Cooper Hewitt exhibit on utensils. -
19th-Century Gothic Revival House for Sale in New York
Posted on January 1, 2013 | No CommentsFor those looking for a little medieval in their home, this estate near New York City is considered one of America's best examples of Gothic Revival architecture. -
Top Ten Medieval Articles of 2012
Posted on December 28, 2012 | No CommentsIn first place is an article about a very unusual dance craze from the 16th century. As usual, articles about to world of sex in the Middle Ages can be found among top ten list, as does papers about Tolkien, the Vikings, and Richard the Lionheart. -
Top 10 Medieval News Stories of 2012
Posted on December 26, 2012 | No CommentsThe year 2012 was one of fascinating discoveries, some of which made international news. The year ends with something of a cliffhanger, as our #1 story has not yet come to a conclusion. -
Sine Nomine: Ensemble for Medieval Music
Posted on December 26, 2012 | No CommentsProfile of the Toronto-based quartet Sine Nomine, with two videos from a recent performance. -
Seven Medieval Christmas Traditions
Posted on December 20, 2012 | No CommentsChristmas in medieval Europe could include feasting, gambling, one-day marriages, boy bishops and trolls. -
Poculi Ludique Societas shows how to perform a Christmas play, medieval style
Posted on December 15, 2012 | No CommentsA Medieval Christmas: Go We hence to Bethlehem's Bower - playing this weekend in Toronto -
Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Posted on December 14, 2012 | No CommentsI'm here not to pander to the fandom, but be brutally honest as a Tolkien lover: The Hobbit was just not that good. In fact, dare I say it, *gasps!*, it wasn't good at all. -
INTERVIEW: Song of the Vikings: Snorri and the Making of Norse Myths
Posted on December 13, 2012 | No CommentsAn interview with author Nancy Brown on her latest medieval offering: "Song of the Vikings: Snorri and the Making of Norse Myths".
