Norse arrival on Iceland led to extinction of its walrus population, study finds
A team of researchers have shown that soon after the Norse arrived in Iceland, that island’s species of walrus went extinct.
Archaeologists discover medieval man ‘broken on the wheel’
An archaeological dig in Milan has uncovered the remains of a young man who suffered massive injuries, likely caused by torture and execution while being ‘broken on wheel’.
Two medieval textile exhibitions open in Washington D.C.
Dumbarton Oaks Museum and the George Washington University Museum, both in Washington D.C., have open new exhibitions that look at fashion, clothing and textiles from the medieval world.
Did Henbane make Berserkers go Berserk?
A new study on the legendary Viking warriors known as berserkers suggests that they were able to achieve their battle trances and ferocity through the use of henbane.
Whetstones lead to new theory on why the Viking Age began
New article argues the Vikings were pushed out of Scandinavia and had to attack raid lands such as the British Isles, since they were prevented from attacking targets closer to home.
Spectacular discoveries made during excavation of 15th century warship
The wreck of a fifteenth century warship has been excavated on the seabed of the Baltic Sea off the coast of southern Sweden. Among the items found has been an early firearm and a beautifully formed drinking tankard, with a crown-like engraving.
Black Death burials reveal the diversity of London’s medieval population
New research on people buried in London during the Black Death suggests that the city’s population was more diverse than currently believed, including the presence of people with African heritage.
Medieval sites to see during Open Doors festival in Wales
This month, more than 200 of Wales’s most iconic landmarks and historic attractions will welcome thousands of visitors as part of the Wales-wide heritage festival, Open Doors.
Lost Irish words rediscovered, including the word for ‘oozes pus’
Researchers from Cambridge and Queen’s University Belfast have identified and defined 500 Irish words, many of which had been lost, and unlocked the secrets of many other misunderstood terms
Genetic map of Scotland revealed
The DNA of Scottish people still contains signs of the country’s ancient kingdoms, with many apparently living in the same areas as their ancestors did more than a millennium ago, a study shows.
Researchers reveal new insights into mass graves from the Mongol invasion of Russia
In the winter of 1238 a Mongol army sacked the Russian city of Yaroslavl, part of its conquest of the region. Researchers have now been able to examine a mass grave from that attack, and used genetic research to identity three members from the same family.
Huge Anglo-Norman coin hoard discovered in England
A massive hoard of over 2500 coins dating back to the eleventh-century has been discovered in southwestern England. It represents the largest discovery of coins from the period following the Norman Conquest in 1066, and preliminary estimates are valuing the hoard at £5 million.
Records reveal how a medieval cathedral was protected against fire
Schedl was able to examine hundreds of years of the church’s income and expenditure accounts, which were maintained by the Kirchmeister or church treasurer, which offered fascinating new insights into how the medieval cathedral was maintained.
Unravelling the history of decorative metal threads
When it comes to historical fashion, nothing stands out more than an item woven with shiny metal threads.
Ireland’s population declined before the Vikings arrived, researchers find
New research has found that the population of Ireland was in decline for almost 200 years before the Vikings settled.
How medieval studies is thriving in New Mexico
Medieval scholars from around the world come to University of New Mexico for learning opportunities.
People in early medieval Croatia may have deliberately altered their skulls, archaeologists find
People in Croatia during the fifth to sixth centuries may have deliberately made cranial modifications to indicate their cultural affiliations, according to a study published this month in PLOS ONE.
New insights into the buried warrior at Prague Castle
Used as a propaganda tool by the Nazis and Soviets during the Second World War and Cold War, the remains of a 10th century male, unearthed beneath Prague Castle in 1928, have been the subject of continued debate and archaeological manipulation.
New footbridge opens at Tintagel
For the first time in more than 500 years, the two separated halves of Tintagel Castle will be reunited, thanks to a new footbridge unveiled by the charity English Heritage.
Sutton Hoo site transformed thanks to £4 million project
The experience for visitors at the site of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made has been transformed at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, to bring the story of a spectacular King’s ship burial and his treasures to life.
Black Death did not reach Poland, according to peat bog evidence
Researchers confirmed that the Black Death epidemic in the mid-14th century did not reach Poland; agricultural production remained at a stable level during that time.
Remains of early Anglo-Saxon church discovered
One of the first stone churches built in England has been unearthed, revealing details of early Christianity in England and connections between Anglo-Saxon Kent and the Kingdom of the Franks.
Norse Hall discovered in Orkney
A large Norse hall has been discovered during excavations at Skaill Farmstead, on the island of Rousay, Orkney.
New medieval exhibition at the Getty
The J. Paul Getty Museum has opened its latest exhibition, which looks at invention of printing technology in the 15th century gave rise to a rich cross-fertilization between mechanical innovation and painterly tradition.
