Why the First Polish State Collapsed: An Environmental and Political Breakdown
A new study uncovers why Poland’s first kingdom—the Piast state—collapsed so quickly, linking slave trade wealth, ecological intensification, and political fragility. Archaeology, pollen records, and coin hoards reveal the state’s rapid rise—and sudden unraveling.
The Medieval Judicial Revolution: Royal Power and the Rise of State Justice
This article explores the so-called “judicial revolution” of the Middle Ages, showing how European monarchs reasserted control over legal systems and laid the groundwork for the modern state through centralized justice and royal authority.
Why Medieval Wars Were Fought: Power, Borders, and Sovereignty
Medieval wars weren’t always about religion or feudal duty—they were often about who had the right to rule and where. Beneath the surface of conflicts like England’s wars with Scotland and France were deeper struggles over sovereignty, territory, and the very shape of emerging states.
New Medieval Books: Chronicle of King Charles VII
An edition and translation of a chronicle by a monk with ties to the French government, offering a detailed account of political and military events in France, particularly those of the Hundred Years’ War.
Six Medieval States That Merged Peacefully
Not all medieval states were forged through war—some united through diplomacy, marriage, and mutual agreement. These six peaceful mergers strengthened kingdoms, expanded influence, and reshaped the political landscape of Europe.
Lucrezia Borgia’s Life in Ferrara: Marriage, Intrigue, and Scandal
In 1500, Lucrezia Borgia found herself once again a pawn in the ruthless game of power and politics. With two failed marriages behind her—one ending in murder—she was at the centre of a marriage negotiation that would test the strength of two powerful families: the Borgias and the Estes of Ferrara.
25 Medieval Women Who Ruled
Medieval history is filled with powerful women who ruled as queens, empresses, and sultanas, shaping kingdoms and empires despite the challenges they faced. From warrior rulers to master diplomats, these 25 medieval women defied expectations and left a lasting impact on history.
King Alfred’s Peace-Making Strategies with the Vikings
Explore how King Alfred’s peace-making strategies, from treaties to baptisms, reshaped Viking leaders into Christian rulers, ultimately transforming the fate of medieval England.
The Mailman Was a Spy: Espionage in the Medieval Islamic World
The medieval Islamic world wasn’t just ahead in literacy and urbanization—it also built one of history’s most sophisticated spy networks. From mail carriers who doubled as informants to queens and singing-girls gathering secrets, espionage was woven into the fabric of power.
Henry III with David Carpenter
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with David Carpenter about what people loved and loathed about Henry, how he managed to survive the rockiest moments of his reign, and the incredible architectural legacy he left behind.
New Medieval Books: The Anarchy: The Darkest Days of Medieval England
When King Henry I died in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the English throne, igniting a bitter struggle for power with his cousin Matilda. This book explores the ensuing civil war, known as The Anarchy, a turbulent period that plunged England into chaos and conflict.
The Year That Changed History: Three Pivotal Events from 751 CE
In 751, a siege, a coup, and a battle reshaped empires, redrew borders, and even introduced an invention that would change the world—here’s why this year deserves a place in history books.
How Did Medieval Dynasties Get Their Names?
Let’s explore how twenty of the most famous ruling families from the Middle Ages got their names.
New Medieval Books: Son of Prophecy
This biography of Henry Tudor delves into his ancestry, tracing his lineage across several generations before detailing his path to the English throne. The book places a particular emphasis on the Tudors’ Welsh heritage and connections.
New Medieval Books: Diary of a Black Jewish Messiah
This book presents a translation of a fascinating and highly unusual 16th-century text: the diary of a self-proclaimed Jewish leader—though he was likely a con artist—who traveled across Europe meeting with rulers as part of a scheme to wage war against the Ottoman Empire. Even after reading this diary, you may still find yourself questioning who this enigmatic figure truly was and what his ultimate goals might have been.
Battle, Betrayal, and Balliol: The Struggle for Scotland and the Battle of Annan
In the chaos of 14th-century Scotland, a band of exiled nobles known as the Disinherited rose against the odds, claiming a shocking victory at Dupplin Moor and crowning their leader, Edward Balliol, as king. But triumph soon turned to tragedy, as betrayal and a deadly December ambush unraveled their hold on the Scottish throne.
New Medieval Books: Oathbreakers
An exploration of the Carolingian Empire’s collapse into civil war, focusing on the pivotal Battle of Fontenay in 841. This decisive conflict reshaped the political landscape of Europe, leaving a lasting legacy.
Shadow Empires, with Thomas Barfield – Byzantium & Friends, Episode 124
A conversation with Thomas Barfield about a distinctive category of empires that he has proposed in a new book, Shadow Empires: An Alternative Imperial History.
New Medieval Books: Politics and Society in Mid Thirteenth-Century England
The English government under King Henry III faced significant political turmoil as tensions between the crown and the nobility escalated. This book delves into how these clashes culminated in a crisis and explores their broader implications for the course of English history.
Did Christians and Muslims Join Forces in the First Crusade?
The First Crusade is often seen as a clash between Christians and Muslims for control of Jerusalem. Yet, the reality was far more complex, with alliances that crossed religious lines.
New Medieval Books: Medieval Iceland
Explore Iceland’s distinct medieval journey, from its ninth-century settlement to the upheavals of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Amid secular and ecclesiastical power struggles, this remote island experienced its own share of strife and transformation.
New Medieval Books: Edward Longshanks’ Forgotten Conflict
The Anglo-French war of 1294-1303, also known as the Gascon War, was Edward I’s main focus, driving England and France into fierce battles and alliances over Aquitaine. This book delves into the bloody confrontations of the conflict, including the pivotal Battle of the Golden Spurs.
New Medieval Books: The Annals of King T’aejo
In 1392, General Yi Songgye seized power in Korea, founding the Choson Dynasty. His government initiated a detailed set of annals, providing a daily record of his six-year reign and a wealth of valuable information.
Afghanistan: A Forgotten Medieval Kingdom
Uncover the history of Afghanistan’s forgotten medieval kingdom, written about in a 14th-century chronicle but lost to time. Learn how this kingdom, ruled by a Kurdish dynasty, resisted Mongol dominance before fading from the historical record.