How to defeat Crusader Knights
Despite their strength, Crusader knights in the Medieval Middle East had vulnerabilities that could result in their defeat in battle.
New Medieval Books: Leading the Rebellion
A self-help / personal philosophy guide with a medieval twist, as the author uses a modern interpretation of the code of chivalry to lead his life to the fullest. His knightly virtues have led him to create one of the top YouTube channels related to the Middle Ages.
Why are there Ostrich Eggs in Medieval Churches?
The peculiar practice of placing ostrich eggs in medieval church sanctuaries has left historians and theologians puzzled for centuries.
The Most ‘Evil’ Rulers of the Middle Ages
These medieval rulers would earn nicknames like the Bad, the Cruel and the Accursed! While many rulers in the Middle Ages could be…
Joan of Arc rode 3,000 miles on horseback, study finds
Joan of Arc, a historical figure shrouded in mystique and valour, is often celebrated for her unwavering faith and military prowess. However, one aspect of her remarkable story that often goes unnoticed is her exceptional skill as an equestrian.
New Medieval Books: The Utrecht Chronicle of the Teutonic Order
A chronicle written in the second half of the 15th century, which details the history of the Teutonic Knights, a military order that fought in the Near East and Baltic regions. The account came at a time when the order was in decline, but offers insights into how they viewed themselves and their mission.
New Roads, New Rome: A Byzantine Playbook for Modern Politics
A look at Anthony Kaldellis’ new book The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium.
Dirty Books with Kate Rudy
Through grime, stains, and wax droplets, the filthiest, most well-loved manuscripts tell us the story of how medieval people used – and abused – their books. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Kate Rudy about what we can learn from the smudges the people of the Middle Ages left behind, how modern technology helps us figure it out, and why we should all appreciate a really dirty book.
Crusaders and the Other Siege of Damascus (1129)
One thing was clear to even the most untalented strategic thinker amongst the Crusaders – they needed to recover at least some of the old Christian inland cities of the Holy Land if they were to create a defence in depth.
Medieval physicians performed a vivisection on a living patient, study finds
The Middle Ages had their share of amazing medical stories, but perhaps nothing was more unusual than a surgery that took place in Paris in the year 1475. A chronicle from that time reveals that not only did physicians perform a vivisection on a patient, but that the patient survived.
New Medieval Books: Pagans in the Early Modern Baltic
A collection of ten texts, in Latin with English translation, from the 15th and 16th centuries, which relate pre-Christian religious practices in the Baltics.
Online Medieval Studies courses coming in April
We will be launching two online courses in April. If you enjoy learning about medieval history we would love to have you enroll!
New Medieval Books: Political Culture in the Latin West, Byzantium and the Islamic World, c.700-c.1500
A comparison of three regions of the medieval world – Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Middle East – in how governments and politics operated. It looks to explain the question of who were the political elites from these areas and how they maintained power.
Medieval Siegecraft: Crusader vs Turkish vs Mongol
When it comes to sieges, which group was the most successful in the medieval Middle East: Crusaders, Turks or Mongols?
Ten Medieval Reasons a Man should not Marry
It sounds like a joke from a men’s magazine, but this list of ten reasons not to get married was created in the Middle Ages, by a man who became a Pope.
The Alchemy Craze in Medieval London
If you were living in London in the mid-15th century, you may have got caught up in the alchemy craze. The idea of turning base metals into gold and silver was seducing many people, including the King of England.
New Medieval Books: Rethinking Medieval Ireland and Beyond
A collection of 12 articles in honour of Terry B. Barry, Professor Emeritus at Trinity College Dublin. The articles deal with a variety of topics related to medieval Ireland, including its places and settlements.
The Infamous Military Campaign of 1379
The destruction of an English fleet led by Sir John Arundel in 1379 is reported by most chroniclers to be an unfortunate accident. However, if you read what Thomas Walsingham has to say about what happened, you get a far more horrific version of events.
Medieval guide explains where you should live
Are you looking for your next place to live? A medieval writer offers advice on where your home should be, even which way the windows should face.
The Battles of Thermopylae
A rather unassuming spot in Greece has seen dozens of battles throughout history. On this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries are joined by Myke Cole to talk about the book The Killing Ground: A Biography of Thermopylae, written by Michael and Myke.
Introducing the Medieval Fox with Paul Wackers
Foxes were everywhere in the medieval world and the medieval imagination. But where do the ideas we have about foxes come from? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Paul Wackers about why foxes were loved and hated in the real world, in fables, and in the Christian imagination of the Middle Ages.
Bread in the Middle Ages
Kings, knights, monks, peasants – everyone in the Middle Ages ate bread. It was also the food that caused bitter religious disputes and could make you go insane.
New Medieval Books: Richard of Cornwall
A biography of Richard of Cornwall, the youngest son of King John. He had an eventful career, as a power player in England, a crusader, and as a contender to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire.
This map is 900 years old – how accurate is it?
Around the year 1136, a map was inscribed in China. It is considered a remarkable example of medieval geography, but how does it fare when tested against modern georeferencing?
Islamic Silver Unveiled: Geochemical Insights Rewrite History
A groundbreaking study has shed new light on the sources of early Islamic silver coins, known as dirhams.