Documentaries

Dozens of interesting documentaries have been made for television and the internet that talk about the Middle Ages.  They vary in length and quality, but they can offer our viewers a different perspective on medieval history:

Mystery of the Black DeathTimewatch explores whether the terrifying speed and deadly impact of the Black Death could possibly be explained by an epidemic of Bubonic Plague.

The Thames Discovery Programme – The Thames Discovery Programme is a community archaeology project, focusing on the archaeology of the River Thames at London England.

Thomas Hahn on Medieval Studies – From the program UO Today from the University of Oregon: Thomas Hahn, Professor of English at the University of Rochester, discusses the relevance of medieval studies for today’s students

The Autobiography of Guibert of Nogent – Identity in History Episode 3: Medieval Religious Identities

The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance – From a small Italian community in 15th-century Florence, the Medici family would rise to rule Europe in many ways. Using charm, patronage, skill, duplicity and ruthlessness, they would amass unparalleled wealth and unprecedented power.

Mosfell Archaeological Project: A Viking Landscape – The Mosfell Archaeological Project is an interdisciplinary research project employing the tools of history, archaeology, anthropology, forensics, environmental sciences, and saga studies.

Medieval Spain – documentary about the history of Spain in the Middle Ages

1066: The Battle For Middle Earth – a two part documentary drama in which Justin Hardy tells the story of the great battles of Fulford, Stamford Bridge and Hastings.

Inside the Medieval Mind – a 4-part series from the BBC that explores the mindset and lifestyle of medieval citizens and will reveal what motivated people who lived between 800AD and 1400AD and what beliefs we share with our ancestors.

Monarchy with David Starkey – the first three episodes from the series hosted by David Starkey, which focuses on the political and ideological development of England’s royal monarchy, from the early Middle Ages to modern times.

After Rome: Holy War and Conquest – two-part series from the BBC examines the ‘clash of civilizations’ in the Middle Ages between Christendom and the Islamic world, including the Crusades.

John Cabot: A Man of Renaissance – a 1964 documentary that follows John Cabot’s quest to discover a westward route across the sea to the Orient in 15th-century Europe

Medieval Manuscript Reproduction – shows how you can make your own medieval manuscripts

Crusades with Terry Jones – 1995 series on the Crusades

The Search for Cao Cao’s Tomb – about the famous Chinese ruler and the search for his lost tomb

Testing Medieval Gunpowder Recipes – the effectiveness of various gunpowder recipes found in medieval manuscripts

Byzantium: The Lost Empire

Medieval and Renaissance Martial Arts

The Vinland Map: Real or hoax?

The Vinland Mystery

Medieval Italian Military And Defenses

Competition for the Baptistry Doors in Florence – Brunelleschi and Ghiberti (1401)

Chepstow Castle