Four ‘snake-eating-frog’ medieval buckles discovered
The discovery of an unusual early medieval buckle in Czechia has allowed researchers to make a connection with three almost identical objects. A new study reveals where and why they were made.
Medieval keystone discovered in Germany
Archaeologists working in eastern Germany have discovered an architectural gem – a perfectly intact ornate keystone. Dating to the 14th century, it was once part of a medieval monastery.
Medieval Christmas token discovered in England
A medieval Christmas token has been found during an archaeological survey in eastern England. Dating to between 1470 and 1560, the token is believed to be depicting St Nicholas.
Medieval curse tablet discovered in Germany
Archaeologists working in northern Germany have discovered a medieval metal tablet cursing a man and a woman. Dating from the 15th century, it seems to invoke three devils against them.
Oral Health of the Vikings detailed in new study
Widespread caries and toothache – but also some dental work and filing of front teeth. Viking Age teeth from Sweden bear witness to surprisingly advanced dentistry.
Need a Medieval Christmas Gift? Perhaps a 14th-century quadrant
A Christie’s auction in London will be featuring medieval manuscripts, early printed books and a 14th-century quadrant. Many of these items are expected to get bids in tens of thousands of pounds.
Chaucer Here and Now opens at the Bodleian
Chaucer Here and Now has now opened at the Bodleian Libraries. The new exhibition explores the lasting influence of Geoffrey Chaucer, author of The Canterbury Tales, and charts how this unconventional medieval poet came to be known as the ‘Father of English Literature.’
Medieval News from Malta
The Government of Malta has recently announced the reopening of a major archive while restoration efforts start on two medieval sites.
What teeth can reveal about the health of early medieval children
Researchers can learn much about a person through their teeth. This is even true for people who lived 1500 years ago in early medieval Germany.
New website tells the story of medieval people through their bones
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created the website ‘After the Plague: Health and History in Medieval England’ that makes use of skeletal remains to detail everyday lives during the era of the Black Death and its aftermath.
New open-access book charts the archaeological discoveries at Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle’s origins date back to the 11th century. A newly published book – which you can read for free – reveals 15 years of archaeological excavations that have unearthed forgotten treasures and greatly enhanced understanding of the area’s rich medieval history.
Rise and Fall of Medieval Tibetan Empire linked to Climate Change
Between the 7th and 9th centuries AD a new empire emerged in medieval Asia – the Tibetan Kingdom under the Yarlung dynasty expanded its domain in all directions, reaching as far as the Indian Ocean. A new study links their expansion and subsequent downfall to climate change.
Medieval building discovered by archaeologists in Germany
Archaeologists working at Magdeburg’s Cathedral Square in eastern Germany have uncovered the remains of a large medieval building thought to be over a thousand years old.
Yak milk was a popular drink in the Mongol Empire, study finds
The Mongol Empire reached the height of its power in the 13th century. It was also during this time that yak milk became a popular drink among its elite, a new study has found.
Medieval Castle for Sale in France
Dating back to the 12th century, this picturesque castle has its share of history during the Middle Ages and afterwards.
1,400-year-old temple discovered in England
Sutton Hoo has been home to some of the most amazing discoveries from Early Medieval England. Now, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a 1400-year-old, possible pre-Christian temple in the same area.
Major exhibition on Africa & Byzantium set to begin at The Met
This weekend marks the beginning of a major new exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Africa & Byzantium will present nearly 200 artworks, including many that have never before been exhibited in the United States.
Bellini painting discovered in Croatia
A previously unknown work of the Renaissance master Giovanni Bellini has been discovered in Croatia. Painted around 1460, it depicts the Virgin and Child.
Two major medieval studies publishers to merge
Two of the largest publishers in the field of medieval studies, De Gruyter and Brill, are set to merge next year as progress continues on a € 51.5 million deal.
Drawings discovered in ruins of medieval castle
A new survey of a German castle dating back to the 13th century has revealed dozens of drawings carved into its ruined walls. They depict a variety of images including a lock and key, tools, agricultural implements, everyday objects, geometric shapes and Christian, heraldic and magical symbols.
Newly discovered medieval painting goes to The Louvre
A medieval painting that was discovered in France in 2019 is now going to The Louvre. ‘The Derision of Christ’ by Cimabue was one of the most expensive paintings ever sold when it was auctioned for €24 million.
Adriatic Sea or Gulf of Venice? How Medieval Politics played out on maps
For centuries a debate was taking place among Europe’s mapmakers: should the Adriatic Sea be called the Gulf of Venice?
Archaeologists explore deserted medieval village in Germany
Archaeologists working in Germany have been uncovering the remains of a medieval village that was deserted around the end of the 15th century. They have so far discovered thousands of items and a small castle.
Details of Italian earthquake from 1446 discovered in Hebrew Prayer Book
The chance discovery of a note written in a 15th-century Hebrew prayer book fills an important gap in the historical Italian earthquake record, offering a brief glimpse of a previously unknown earthquake affecting the Marche region in the central Apennines.
Medieval ‘folding chair’ discovered
German archaeologists discovered a very unique item during excavations last year: a folding chair dated to the 6th century. After a year of research they are revealing what they know about the object.