Carrying and Moving in the Middle Ages
In a time and place with a serious lack of pockets and built-in shelving, how and where did people carry and store their everyday stuff? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle takes a look at carrying, packing, and moving in the Middle Ages.
Medieval chronicle reveals massive charitable bequest
A recently translated medieval chronicle has detailed the story of a huge charitable bequest that took place in the Italian city of Florence.…
Warming the Soul: The Forgotten Role of Handwarmers in Medieval Worship
In the realm of medieval liturgy, where sacred rituals and ceremonies unfolded in the hallowed halls of cathedrals and monasteries, a surprising yet practical element played a role in ensuring the comfort of clergy and worshippers alike: handwarmers.
Is it medieval or mediaeval?
Why do we have these two spellings, and why has medieval become more popular?
New Medieval Books: Agincourt: Battle of the Scarred King
A look at Henry V’s victory at the Battle of Agincourt (1415), one of the key clashes in the Hundred Years’ War. The author offers a new interpretation of exactly where the battle took place, which in turn, gives new insights into how the fighting unfolded.
Alexander III, King of Scotland: A Child on the Throne and Schemers all Around
Alexander III’s reign both began and ended in crisis.
New Medieval Books: Bede and the Theory of Everything
A biography of the eighth-century monk Bede, focusing on his vast interest in learning and writing about the world he lives in.
The First Book Reviewer
A book reviewer from the 9th century – unsurprisingly, he hated much of what he read.
Eleanor of Aquitaine with Karen Sullivan
She’s one of the most well-known figures in history: married to two kings, mother to three, and a powerful duchess in her own right. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Karen Sullivan about the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine, her famous – and infamous – relationships, and what makes her such a fascinating subject for historians and fiction writers alike.
The Battle of Nisa (1062)
It is a clash between Viking kings, as Harald Hardrada of Norway faces off against Sweyn II of Denmark. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss this naval battle and how it was told by the Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson.
New Medieval Books: On Earth or in Poems
A look at how al-Andalus – Islamic Iberia – has continued to be an important symbol in today’s world.
The Death of a Templar Master
The Templars were forbidden to engage in fighting against other Christians. Shockingly, however, the Templar Master Brian le Jay died fighting for Edward I against the Scots in 1298. How was this possible and what did it mean?
Looking for scapegoats: The betrayal of Romanos Diogenes by Trachaneiotes and Doukas at Manzikert and the role of Attaleiates’ narrative
Few people have been vilified in such a way after the disastrous outcome of a decisive battle other than Trachaniotes, Roussel of Bailleul, and Andronikos Doukas.
Battle of Shrewsbury documentary on History Hit
Dan Jones and Michael Livingston have teamed up to present a documentary telling the story of the Battle of Shrewsbury. You can watch it on History Hit.
New Medieval Books: How Medieval Europe was Ruled
This collection of 15 essays examines how governments operated in the Middle Ages. Covering a wide number of places throughout Europe, it aims to show the various kinds of rulership within it.
Avalanches in the Middle Ages
Read a couple descriptions of avalanches from the Middle Ages.
In medieval times, there were ‘Perilous Days’
There are 45 perilous days each year. Read on to find which days they are.
Justice, Politics, and Death in Medieval Ireland with Joanna MacGugan
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Joanna MacGugan about how the justice system worked in Ireland under medieval English rule, how communities shaped justice, and what this meant when a person was faced with capital punishment.
From Robin Hood to Mongols: 10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
Here are ten articles published in December, which tell us about topics including the First Crusade and animating small objects.
The Viking Age – online course begins Thursday
This six-week course begins Thursday, January 4th and features weekly live video sessions with Terri Barnes from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Eastern U.S. time
2024 will have war, floods and sore throats, medieval guide predicts
Be prepared for a rather bad 2024, as a medieval guide for predicting the year suggests that people will have to deal with illnesses and a lack of food.
How to kill a God: Christians against Pagans in the Middle Ages
To bring new lands under Roman Catholicism, the old pagan faiths had to be destroyed. Here is how this was done on the island of Rügen in the twelfth century.
How rich medieval people spent their money
If you were a noble in the Middle Ages, you were most likely very rich. What did you do with your money?
In Memoriam – Medievalists who passed away in 2023
Many important people in the field of medieval studies passed away in the year 2023. We wanted to acknowledge them and their contributions to the field.
