Why are dragons and monsters carved into Norway’s stave churches?
The richly decorated portal at Urnes stave church in Norway has often been interpreted in light of paganism. That’s wrong, according to a new stave church study.
What did medieval peasants eat?
Researchers from the University of Bristol have uncovered, for the first time, definitive evidence that determines what types of food medieval peasants ate and how they managed their animals.
New research on bones at Winchester Cathedral points to Anglo-Saxon queen
New evidence is revealing that the some of the bones in these chests may belong to Queen Emma, one of the most influential individuals in 11th century England, as well as other Anglo-Saxon royalty.
Lost Tomb of Robert the Bruce finds its final resting place
A 3D reconstruction of the tomb of Robert the Bruce is to go on display at Dunfermline Abbey Church in Scotland.
What’s new with Leonardo da Vinci
As history marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, several news stories have just come out revealing more interesting details about the Renaissance artist.
Scientists solve the 800 year old bone disease mystery
Scientific research at the molecular level on a collection of medieval skeletons from Norton Priory in Cheshire could help rewrite history after revealing they were affected by an unusual ancient form of the bone disorder, Paget’s disease.
Call for Papers: Historiographical Narrative, the Great Schism and the Hundred Years War (1337-1453): Discourse, Religiosity and Reality
Conference to be held in Lisboa at NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, between the 30th-31st May, 2019
The Wondrous Cosmos in Medieval Manuscripts – new exhibition begins at The Getty
The Los Angeles-based museum will be showcasing a wide variety of illuminated manuscripts and printed books from April 30 to July 28, 2019.
First genetic study of Crusaders reveals diverse origins
The first genetic study of medieval human remains believed to be Crusaders confirms that warriors travelled from western Europe to the near East, where they mixed and had families with local people, and died together in battle
Update on the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire – what we know about relics and art work
French officials are providing more details about which items were saved from yesterday’s fire at Notre-Dame de Paris, although some uncertainty exists over the fate of the many relics and art works contained in the cathedral
Massive fire destroys much of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
One of the great monuments of the Middle Ages – Notre Dame de Paris – has suffered severe damages from a fire that has left the cathedral in ruins.
Major fire is destroying Notre Dame Cathederal in Paris
We will give you updates as fast as we can. Early reports suggest it was started in an area where renovations taking place.
Dealing with flooding in medieval Valencia – blaming garbage instead of God
There is a common perception that when a natural disaster struck in the Middle Ages, the people would just say that this was God’s punishment for their sins. However, this was not always the case – at least when it came to flooding in Valencia.
Has the Renaissance warped our view of the Middle Ages?
“The Renaissance is a great ‘brand’—it’s about rebirth, repackaging, and newness. And everything that’s wonderful and marvelous about it, you emphasize by contrasting it with the awful, smelly, stinky, dangerous Middle Ages,”
16th century ship discovered off the coast of The Netherlands
Researchers have found a shipwreck off the coast of the Netherlands from the early 16th century – the oldest find of a seafaring ship in Dutch waters ever.
Call for Papers: Provisioning Medieval European Towns
This year, from October 10th to the 12th, the Institute for Medieval Studies (IEM | NOVA-FCSH) and the Portuguese municipality of Castelo de Vide are organizing the IV International Conference on the Middle Ages, under the theme: Provisioning Medieval European Towns.
‘Fake’ Botticelli painting is actually genuine, researchers find
A painting long thought to be a later imitation of Sandro Botticelli’s famous Madonna of the Pomegranate has been revealed to be a rare example by the artist’s own workshop.
Over 800 medieval manuscripts to be digitised
Hundreds of medieval and early modern Greek manuscripts – including classical texts and some of the most important treatises on religion, mathematics, history, drama and philosophy – are to be digitised thanks a collaboration between Cambridge University, Heidelberg University and the Vatican Library.
Symposium to share latest discoveries about medieval Saharan Africa
The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University will host a week-long gathering of six archaeologists from Mali, Morocco, the U.K. and the U.S., working at the cutting-edge of research on medieval Africa.
£2.1 million research project to uncover Rome’s early medieval history
Archaeologists, historians and others specialists are teaming up for an international project to examine the urban history of Rome between the first and eighth century AD.
Where to find the Middle Ages in Scotland in 2019
Historic Environment Scotland has unveiled its events programme for 2019, which will feature medieval tournaments, Norse sagas and unique looks into castles.
Royal charter of King John discovered
A rare, original royal charter from the first year of King John’s reign has been discovered in Durham by a medieval historian from the University of Bristol
Project breathing new life into forgotten medieval chants
Trinity College Dublin is involved in an ambitious international cultural heritage project which is bringing back to life forgotten medieval chants and prayers associated with Irish saints such as St Patrick, St Brigit and St Colmcille.
Chalke Valley History Festival prepares for 2019 event
Spread over 60 acres, the Chalk Valley History Festival is a unique combination of talks, discussions and topical debates, plus a vast living history encampment, where the very best living historians – all experts in their field – bring history to life with their extensive knowledge and passion for their subjects.
