Site of Medieval Baptismal Font Discovered in Germany
Archaeologists working in Quedlinburg have uncovered the remains of a baptism font from the 10th century. It is very likely the place where various members of the ruling Ottonian Dynasty received the sacrament of baptism.
Ruins of medieval monastery explored by archaeologists in Germany
For hundreds of years during the Middle Ages, Kaltenborn monastery was thriving in central Germany. Archaeologists are now exploring the ruins of that monastery to help understand its downfall in the 16th century.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Medieval skeleton with prosthetic hand discovered in Germany
Archaeologists working in southern Germany have found a man with an iron prosthesis on his arm in a grave. The prosthesis likely dates from the second half of the 15th cenetury.
Archaeologists discover site where Otto the Great died
One of the most important medieval rulers of the 10th century, Otto I (936-973) founded the Holy Roman Empire in central Europe. Archaeologists believe they have found the site where this king and emperor died.
Rare medieval octagonal tower discovered at German castle
Archaeologists working at Neuenburg Castle in central Germany have discovered the remains of one of the original towers that protected the main entrance to the fortress. They were surprised that the tower, which was built around the year 1100, was octagonal in shape.
Early Medieval Warrior’s remains discovered in Germany
Archaeologists in western Germany have discovered the remains of a medieval warrior. He was buried over 1300 years ago with at least four weapons and a shield.
Archaeologists explore German castle
When visitors come to Landsberg in eastern Germany, they can see the medieval Chapel of St. Crucis. However, the chapel was once part of a 12th-century castle, and archaeologists are now exploring this site.
Archaeologists explore medieval monastery in Germany
For the first time, archaeologists have excavated the abandoned Himmelpforte monastery near Wernigerode in central Germany. The dig, directed by the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt, was able to locate monastery buildings and uncover numerous finds that tell of the everyday life of the Augustinian monks.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin: A Medieval Mass Abduction?
What really happened on June 26, 1284, in the German town of Hamelin?
People in early medieval settlement had “very poor health,” study finds
New study on early medieval community reveals they suffered from many diseases and infections.
What we learned from a medieval Jewish cemetery in Erfurt
Last month we released a study examining the remains of the medieval Ashkenazi Jewish community in Erfurt, Germany. Our research has given us a better understanding of how this community lived in the Middle Ages.
A medieval chronicle written by a woman: The Annals of Quedlinburg
Relatively few surviving works from the Middle Ages were written by women. One of them is a monastic chronicle known as the Annals of Quedlinburg, created in the early eleventh century. A look into this work reveals some interesting insights into the writer and her abbey.
The story of a Rusian Princess who became a European Empress
Her story is a fascinating one, and one which sheds light not only on Rus and the German Empire, but on relations throughout Europe.
A Military History of the German Peasants’ Revolt
Examining the causes of German Peasants’ Revolt of 1524-5 as well the events and battles of the conflict.
Early Medieval graveyard discovered
Archaeologists in Germany have discovered 110 graves dating back to the sixth and seventh centuries. Their finds include gold and bronze objects, along with a decapitated horse.
The Ottonian Chancery: Whence and Whither?
Levi Roach talks about the Ottonian chancery and governmental documents, including the historiography about the topic dating back to the 19th century.
Canossa, 1077: Emperor vs Pope, with Blair Apgar
When it came to power in medieval Europe, much of it rested in the hands of kings and popes. But what happened when they decided not to share it? This week on The Medieval Podcast Danièle speaks with Blair Apgar about the dramatic clash of emperor versus pope at Canossa in 1077.
Using Isotopic Analysis to Investigate Diet and Disease in a Medieval German Poorhouse
This paper presents a bioarchaeological case study on a medieval poorhouse skeletal collection from Regensburg, Germany.