In this column, I trace on the evolution of the idea of “sovereignty,” which I believe to be the conceptual linchpin of this historical process.
Fulfilling Gregory’s goal: the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon people
May 8, 2018 by
The conversion of the Anglo-Saxons in the seventh century AD was a complex process that involved several stages.
Cardinals and the War of Ferrara
January 11, 2018 by
The bestowal of a red hat can turn even the most humbly born cleric into an ecclesiastical prince, but whereas few cardinals of the modern era have been born princely, most of those created in the Renaissance period could claim to be of noble lineage.
The Courts Christian in Medieval England
December 6, 2017 by
This article examines the structure and jurisdiction of the pre-Reformation ecclesiastical courts in England to determine their effect on the Reformation.
The Medieval Magazine: (Volume 3: No. 18): Issue 101: Reformation 500
November 20, 2017 by
In this issue: 80+ pages of news, books, articles, exhibits, and events, with a focus on the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation!
“A New kind of monster … part-monk, part-knight”: the paradox of clerical militarism in the Middle Ages
September 4, 2017 by
The interaction between clerics and warfare was a source of constant tension, debate, and conflict in the Middle Ages.
An Ethiopian Monk And A Dominican Friar Walk Into A Bar
August 24, 2017 by
In 1237, during the brief sequel of Latin rule, one Ethiopian monk decided to work this system to his—and his kingdom’s—advantage.
Judicial Inquiry as an Instrument of Centralized Government: The Papacy’s Criminal Proceedings against Prelates in the Age of Theocracy (Mid-Twelfth to Mid-Fourteenth Century)
August 21, 2017 by
From the end of the twelfth century until the Great Schism, the papacy prosecuted hundreds of prelates who were charged with ‘crimes’ (crimina), ‘excesses’ (excessus), or ‘enormities’ (enormia, enormitates), these words being used interchangeably in the documents.
St Columba’s cell revealed by archaeologists
July 31, 2017 by
This discovery is massive. St Columba is a key figure in Western Christendom. He was the national patron saint of Scotland in the Middle Ages.
The Medieval Magazine (Volume 3, No. 12) : Medieval Nation
July 13, 2017 by
In this issue we tackle National Holidays and the development of Nations, manuscripts at the Getty, and look at courtly festivities and jousting in London. We’re also baking bread Viking style, taking a trip to Avignon, and joining the medieval navy!
The Prior, the Prioress, and the Kidnappers
May 18, 2017 by
Monks were deserting their pastoral posts and in some cases their vows altogether; nuns were having covert affairs with local men and—worse—getting caught.
Medieval Sources of Sovereignty: The Idea of Supreme Authority in Quanto Personam and its Glosses
April 18, 2017 by
Pope Innocent III’s decretal Quanto personam, issued on 21 August 1198, makes a number of claims regarding the locus, source and character of supreme authority within the Church.
Roman Singing and its Influence Across Europe
February 20, 2017 by
In this lecture we shall explore what the singing of Rome meant far afield: in northern England, Ireland, Spain and Germany.
Priest as Criminal: Community Regulation of Priests in the Archdeaconry of Paris, 1483-1505
January 29, 2017 by
This dissertation examines accusations of criminal behavior levied against priests in the archdeaconry of Paris from 1483 – 1505.
A Revolutionary Reform: How William the Conqueror Conquered the Church
October 16, 2016 by
The aspect of William’s rule that this work is primarily focused on is his effect on the church. The changes to the church in England can only be described as revolutionary.
Medieval English Embroidery on Display for the Last Time at the V&A’s Opus Anglicanum Exhibit
October 3, 2016 by
The V&A Museum opened its latest medieval exhibit exhibit on Saturday: Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery. I had the opportunity to see it opening day and it was spectacular.
Plague, Papacy and Power: The Effect of the Black Plague on the Avignon Papacy
June 20, 2016 by
The plague came at a critical moment for the Church, and the papacy at Avignon did not adequately rise to the challenge.
A Clergyman out of Control: Portrait of a Bishop Around the Year 1000
June 4, 2016 by
The following example describes Bishop Megingaud of Eichstaett (991–1014/1015) who was anything but holy.
Medieval Religious Patronage: A Study of the Anglo-Welsh Marcher Lords and their Connections to Religious Houses, 1066 – 1300
May 28, 2016 by
In a world where religion played a far greater role in society than it does in the modern day, it is no surprise that those living in the medieval period desired a close association with the church. Nowhere is this association clearer than with the aristocracy of the time.
Movie Review: Pope Joan – Medieval Legend Comes to Life Onscreen
March 20, 2016 by
Released in 2009, also under its German title, ,Die Päpstin,, ,Pope Joan’ recounts the medieval legend of Johanna von Ingleheim, a woman who disguised herself as a man, lived as a monk, and eventually went on to become pope in the ninth century.
Those who pray, those who work, those who fight
January 31, 2016 by
When people first start learning about the Middle Ages, one of the first concepts they are told was that medieval society was divided into three groups – those who pray, such as priests and monks; those who work, like farmers; and those who fight, the warrior class. How did this idea get started and what does it actually mean?
Celebrating the New Year, Medieval Style
December 31, 2015 by
A look at New Year’s in the Middle Ages.
The Anglo-Saxon Age: The Birth of England
November 24, 2015 by
Martin Wall takes us on a journey into a period that still remains mysterious, into regions and countries long forgotten, such as Mercia and Northumbria.
Rival bishops, rival cathedrals: the election of Cormac, archdeacon of Sodor, as bishop in 1331
October 4, 2015 by
In the early fourteenth century, the diocese of Sodor, or Sudreyjar meaning Southern Isles in old Norse, encompassed the Isle of Man and the Hebrides.
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