Which books about the Vikings should I read?
There are many books about the Vikings and the Norse world for someone to choose from. Here is a list of books we think are a good reads about the Vikings – ones that are both fairly new and relatively inexpensive.
From peasant to Byzantine emperor: the remarkable career of Basil the ‘Macedonian’
The unexpected rise of Basil and the obscurity of his origins resulted in one of the most striking features of the history of the early Macedonian dynasty: the growth of a myth around his birth, his early life and achievements
Medieval Reads: Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey is rather important in showing us how people responded in the early nineteenth century to the making of history into the mysterious and the dangerous. It shows us the mirror through which many young people viewed the Middle Ages.
Myths about the Middle Ages that are so very, very wrong!
This week, Danièle asked her listeners which myths about the Middle Ages really drive them crazy. From the Flat Earth to daily hygiene, here is our attempt to shed light on some of the most common (but wrong!) ideas we have about the Middle Ages.
How Philip Augustus outmanoeuvred three English kings
King Philip II of France mastered the art of foreign relations, and used his skills against Henry II, Richard I, and John.
Did Augustine believe in Monsters?
The sermon that makes this outrageous claim is a fake. It is one of hundreds, if not thousands of sermons that circulated in the Middle Ages using Augustine’s illustrious name as a way to guarantee a wide readership and make a bid for literary immortality.
Who Were You 1000 Years Ago?
Answer These 7 Questions To Find Out!
How to become an EVIL wizard – medieval magic from Picatrix
Could you learn magic and become a powerful and evil wizard? In the Middle Ages you could, if you had a copy of Picatrix.
Honey and Medicine: The Sweeter Side of Medieval Warfare
In this episode of The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Dr. Ilana Krug about the use of honey in medieval military medicine and the time Henry V got an arrow in the face.
Castle for Sale in Michigan
This modern day castle, nestled in the upper peninsula of Michigan, offers a chance for those in the Midwest to experience what it’s like to be in a seemingly ancient structure while having the added perk of living in a contemporary interior.
How to talk to your future father-in-law
The tale begins with a pirates having seized a man and throwing him into the emperor’s prison.
The History of Flying in the Middle Ages
Medieval people could fly. However, landings were another matter.
Medieval Geopolitics: James of Viterbo and More Papal Supremacy
James concluded that the Church must be considered a true kingdom – a regnum ecclesiae.
Nalbinding: Protecting an endangered heritage craft for the future
Nalbinding is a craft that has been done for thousands of years. This form of knitting has been shrouded in isolated corners of heritage interpretation and within living history groups; but are there other groups of interested individuals who could help learn and develop this craft?
Why we are asking for your support on Patreon
Recently we launched a Patreon campaign to give users the chance to support Medievalists.net. Here are the reasons why we are asking for your support.
Learning about the Middle Ages through games with Kyle Lincoln
One of the buzzwords in education is gamification – using games to get people more engaged with what they are learning. Danièle is joined this week by Kyle Lincoln to talk about his work with Reacting to the Past and creating games to learn about the Middle Ages.
A Man for all Centuries: The Changing Myth of King Arthur
The secret to enduring popularity, clever marketers tell us, is changing just enough to stay relevant. Since the Early Middle Ages, no one has done that better than King Arthur.
The Dead Man’s Prophecy and a Roundtrip to Hell: The Early Adventures of Hadingus
What can be more glorious, more tempting than the conquest of death?
Love, marriage and abduction in Byzantium: the epic romance of Digenes Akritas
What can an epic poem from the the 12th century tells us about love and marriage in the Byzantine world?
Of Monks and Medievalists
As several thousand medievalists made their way by car, plain, and train to this year’s 54th International Medieval Congress in Kalamazoo, Michigan, many took notice, at restaurants, hotels, and other public places, of the cover of Southwest Michigan’s magazine Encore, which features Augustine Marie Reisenauer, a member of the Dominican Order.
And now our watch has ended: A look back at Game of Thrones
Love it or hate it, Game of Thrones has had a major impact on people’s perceptions of the Middle Ages.
Game of Thrones: The Final Scorecard
Well, our collective 11-year journey has finally ended, the Iron Throne has been won…
How to criticize: The Chronicle of Constantine Manasses
Few can match the 12th century chronicler Constantine Manasses when it comes to inventive ways to criticize a ruler.
Shia Islam in Medieval Northern Iran: The Alid dynasties of Tabaristan, Daylam, and Gilan
In part three of this series that looks at medieval northern Iran the focus turns to the emergence of the Alid dynasty and their struggle to gain and hold power in the ninth and tenth centuries.
