A study of the presentation of William I of Sicily in the work of the pseudo – Hugo Falcandus, with particular attention to the author’s views on the entirety of the Hauteville dynasty and kingship in Sicily through the lens of his reign.
Death of a Renaissance Record-Keeper: The Murder of Tomasso da Tortona in Ferrara, 1385
May 4, 2017 by
Beginning with a description of the murder of an Italian record-keeper at the hands of an angry mob in the late fourteenth century, this essay explores the historical background of official records destruction during the Renaissance
The Medieval Magazine (Volume 3, Issue 7)
April 23, 2017 by
In our latest issue: Being lovesick was a real disease in the Middle Ages! Judaism, War, and Chivalry: Why is this Knight Different than Other Knights? Travel Tips: San Lorenzo’s Medici Crypt! Crusade in Europe
Failed Censures: Ecclesiastical Regulation of Women’s Clothing in Late Medieval Italy
April 11, 2017 by
Churchmen in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries tried to regulate the costume of Italian women. These efforts failed, and regulation was largely left thereafter to civic authorities.
The Medieval Magazine: Celebrating International Women’s Day (Volume 3, Issue 4)
March 2, 2017 by
We’ve just released our latest issue of the Medieval Magazine in celebration of International Women’s Day!
Cesare Borgia in a Nutshell: Book Tour and Giveaway!
November 15, 2016 by
This is an exciting week for book lovers at Medievalists.net. We’re hosting two book tours and giveaways! Today, we’re featuring author Samantha Morris’ Cesare Borgia in a Nutshell, and running an international contest to give away a copy of the book.
How to Defeat a Tyrant: The Florentines against the Duke
October 9, 2016 by
In a time of crisis the Republic of Florence turned to a brash noble to lead their city. He soon turned into a disgraceful tyrant. Could the Florentine citizens overthrow him before a plot to murder hundreds of people could be carried out?
80-Room Medieval Italian castle to be sold for first time in its history
August 4, 2016 by
Castel Valer, a lavishly decorated medieval castle in northern Italy, which has been owned by the same family who obtained the estate in the fourteenth century, is set to be sold at auction on 8th September 2016.
Book Talk: A Conversation with Guy Gavriel Kay
August 4, 2016 by
Set in a parallel Renaissance world, two major religions, the Jaddites who worship the sun, and the Asharites who worship the stars, struggle amidst the backdrop of court politics, murder, espionage, faith and family.
Mediterranean Castle for Sale
June 13, 2016 by
This 14th century castle can be found along the coast of Calabria in Italy.
A Man Must Not Embelish Himself like a Woman: The Body and Gender in Renaissance Cosmetics
June 7, 2016 by
In pre-modern Italy, cosmetics’ ideal backdrop was a pale complexion, apparently untouched by the sun’s rays to give the impression that one had the luxury of avoiding going about outside on any daily labors.
BOOK REVIEW: Medieval Medicine: Its Mysteries and Science by Toni Mount
May 3, 2016 by
Our review of Toni Mount’s fascinating look at medicine in the Middle Ages in – Medieval Medicine: Its Mysteries and Science by Toni Mount.
The Global Side of Medieval at the Getty Centre: Traversing the Globe Through Illuminated Manuscripts
March 26, 2016 by
Los Angeles correspondent, Danielle Trynoski takes through the, ‘Traversing the Globe Through Illuminated Manuscripts’ exhibut at the Getty Museum.
Medieval Survivals In Modern Rome
March 7, 2016 by
An analysis of medieval buildings in Rome with “defensive” characteristics has been ongoing for the past four years (towers, fortified houses, fortifications on ancient monuments).
Ladies, Concubines, and Pseudo-Wives: Mistresses in the Courtly Culture of Emilia-Romagna of Renaissance Italy
January 20, 2016 by
This work examines the lives of mistresses within the Italian province of the Emilia-Romagna, predominantly during the fifteenth century.
MEDIEVAL BOOKS: Black Friday!
November 26, 2015 by
Here are a few recent releases for medievalists hunting for Black Friday books and early Christmas gifts!
These are beautiful words to understand
November 19, 2015 by
‘If those who wound felt the pain of those who are wounded, they could not often wound with pleasure.’
Down to the Last Stitch: Sumptuary Law and Conspicuous Consumption in Renaissance Italy
October 21, 2015 by
Fashion and luxury were very important in Italian Renaissance society. One’s appearance indicated more than whether one was simply attractive, it also indicated one’s social standing.
Machiavelli and Botticelli Movies to Hit the Screen in 2016
August 29, 2015 by
Machiavelli and Botticelli are set to hit screens in 2016. We sat down to chat with Italian director, Lorenzo Raveggi about his two ambitious projects.
Movie Review: Dangerous Beauty
August 28, 2015 by
Late 16th century Venice, where a woman can be a nun, a wife or a courtesan. For Veronica Franco, the free spirited girl scorned by because of her lack of wealth, the choice is an obvious one…
The Justinianic Reconquest of Italy: Imperial Campaigns and Local Responses
August 27, 2015 by
This article examines a particular aspect of Justinian’s campaigns against the Ostrogoths in Italy, one that is often overlooked, yet one that is essential to the understanding of these wars
Genoa: The Cog in the New Medieval Economy
August 18, 2015 by
Journalist and author Nicholas Walton writes about medieval Genoa’s economy, trade and role in the Black Death. Walton recently published a book on Genoese history entitled, “Genoa: La Superba”
BOOK REVIEW: Genoa ‘La Superba’: The Rise and Fall of a Merchant Pirate Superpower by Nicholas Walton
August 9, 2015 by
While most books about Italy have been dedicated to tourist hubs like Milan, Florence, Rome, Sicily and Venice, Genoa with its rich history, rugged landscape, and tenacious residents, has been given only a passing mention.
International trade and institutional change: Medieval Venice’s response to globalization
July 14, 2015 by
Venice has always presented two faces. As a great medieval trading centre its wealth was used to build not only beautiful architecture, but also remarkably modern institutions.
Writing about the Middle Ages – what works, what doesn’t
June 22, 2015 by
I’ve had ones that have done really well, while others have failed to get even a small audience. Here are examples of what has worked, and what did not work.
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