Five Warrior Bishops in the Middle Ages
Here are five medieval bishops who, against the expectations of their ecclesiastical positions, found themselves personally involved in actual battles.
The Battle of Legnano (1176)
In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly look at how the imperial army of Frederick Barbarossa and a Milanese force suddenly encounter each other in northern Italy. How would this battle change the Holy Roman Empire’s plans for Italian conquest?
New Medieval Books: Agincourt: Battle of the Scarred King
A look at Henry V’s victory at the Battle of Agincourt (1415), one of the key clashes in the Hundred Years’ War. The author offers a new interpretation of exactly where the battle took place, which in turn, gives new insights into how the fighting unfolded.
The Battle of Nisa (1062)
It is a clash between Viking kings, as Harald Hardrada of Norway faces off against Sweyn II of Denmark. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss this naval battle and how it was told by the Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson.
The Death of a Templar Master
The Templars were forbidden to engage in fighting against other Christians. Shockingly, however, the Templar Master Brian le Jay died fighting for Edward I against the Scots in 1298. How was this possible and what did it mean?
Looking for scapegoats: The betrayal of Romanos Diogenes by Trachaneiotes and Doukas at Manzikert and the role of Attaleiates’ narrative
Few people have been vilified in such a way after the disastrous outcome of a decisive battle other than Trachaniotes, Roussel of Bailleul, and Andronikos Doukas.
Battle of Shrewsbury documentary on History Hit
Dan Jones and Michael Livingston have teamed up to present a documentary telling the story of the Battle of Shrewsbury. You can watch it on History Hit.
The Battle of Bannockburn (1314)
The most famous battle in Scottish history took place at Bannockburn in 1314. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries examine how Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, was able to defeat the English led by King Edward II.
Who were the Unsung and Oversung Heroes of the Middle Ages?
In their eighth Q&A, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including who were the almost famous leaders of the Middle Ages, the importance of languages for medievalists, and their favourite battle sites.
Have Sword Will Travel: The Templars as Military Consultants
We tend to think of the Templars as warriors, but with the caveat that they could not fight against fellow Christians. There were exceptions, however. Even the Templars could act as hands-off mercenaries in the murky world of medieval politics.
“Give the lie to the Devil”: The Battle of Hattin
By John France The dead were scattered over the mountains and valleys, lying immobile on their sides … Hattin shrugged off their carcasses,…
Fashion for Fighting: Fabric Armor in the Latter Middle Ages
In this talk, we will discuss some of the types of defensive garments that existed in the 15th century through discussion and analysis of five different extant examples.
King John and the Templars: Strange Times, Strange Partners
The extraordinary story of how the Templars stepped up to act as diplomats for England’s least diplomatic king.
The Battle of Bouvines (1214)
Philip Augustus, King of France, faced off against an alliance that included the Holy Roman Emperor, the King of England, and the leading nobles of the Low Countries. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss this important battle and how it changes Western Europe.
Fiery Joanna and the Siege of Hennebont in 1342
“And now you shall hear of the boldest and most remarkable feat ever performed by a woman.”
The 36 Stratagems of Medieval China
A sixth-century essay reveals 36 ways to defeat an enemy. Many readers will be familiar with The Art of War. Sun Tzu’s treatise,…
New Medieval Books: Inked
This is a sad tale of how the government of the Song Dynasty created and maintained a military force using the lower-class populations of medieval China. Millions of Chinese people were subjected to this system, which included tattooing.
The Battle of Adrianople (378)
In what could be considered the first battle of the Middle Ages, the Roman Emperor Valens goes to war against the Goths in southeastern Europe. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss about the battle and why the Romans suffered such a massive defeat.
The Templars and Saladin
The fight between Saladin and the Templars was personal – a relationship based on a toxic blend of fear, grudging respect and animosity.
The Mongols
Michael and Kelly are joined by Nicholas Morton, author of The Mongol Storm, to discuss how Chinggis Khan and the Mongols were able to use their military power to conquer large parts of the world in the 13th century.
What makes a good military leader? The Byzantine answer
Despite the extraordinary attention that modern armies pay to the subject of military leadership, the answer to the question, “What makes a good (military) leader?” is neither simple nor universal.
The Power of Medieval States – A Report from 1423
What was the wealth and military power of states in the Middle Ages? It is a question that the Venetian government tried to figure ou
How Medieval Kings Paid for War
In 1242 Henry III of England raised a large army to protect his lands in France. It cost £40,000, roughly the same as the normal annual income of the crown. So how could such a sum be met?
Did Women defend Castles?
It is the seventh Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, with Michael and Kelly answering listener questions. Here they talk about the women defending castles, the Italian banks supporting Edward III, mustering troops from specific regions, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and where were the windmills in the Middle Ages.