Where the Middle Ages Begin
One of the most persistent myths about the Middle Ages is that this was a time when science slept, deliberately suppressed by the medieval church. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. This week, Danièle speaks with Seb Falk about the amazing story of medieval science.
The Uffizi Galleries in Florence have launched a new online exhibition to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri. It will showcase dozens of illustrations created in the sixteenth century to showcase The Divine Comedy.
New research about medieval weather conditions has revealed that a severe drought that struck Europe in the early 14th-century displays similarities with the 2018 weather anomaly, which also left the continent experiencing exceptional heat and drought.
A new French-language streaming service is being launched that aims to give viewers access to all things from the Middle Ages. Medieval TV is now collecting subscriptions with hopes to launch on March 1st.
John D. Hosler surveys the martial content in John of Salisbury’s writings and explain how he serves as the medieval bridge between ancient and early-modern military theory
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that lighter traction trebuchets were employed on the tops of certain towers in a defensive role.
The power of medieval artillery is often taken for granted and historians tend to rely on anecdotal descriptions in the absence of quantifiable evidence. But descriptions of these engines and the damage that they inflicted can be misleading when evaluated out of context. The siege of Saone in 1188 is one such example.
Rather than a response to any particular military threat or technological advancement, the ostentatious scale of the defences built by Saladin’s brother, al-Adil, and his nephew, Saladin’s son, al-Zahir Ghazi, appear to have been inspired in large part by a desire to advance their claim to be the rightful head of the Ayyubid dynasty.
The Development of Mechanical Artillery during the Crusades Paper by Michael S. Fulton Given at The Art of Siege Warfare and Military Architecture…
One of the most persistent myths about the Middle Ages is that this was a time when science slept, deliberately suppressed by the medieval church. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. This week, Danièle speaks with Seb Falk about the amazing story of medieval science.
The Uffizi Galleries in Florence have launched a new online exhibition to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri. It will showcase dozens of illustrations created in the sixteenth century to showcase The Divine Comedy.
New research about medieval weather conditions has revealed that a severe drought that struck Europe in the early 14th-century displays similarities with the 2018 weather anomaly, which also left the continent experiencing exceptional heat and drought.
A new French-language streaming service is being launched that aims to give viewers access to all things from the Middle Ages. Medieval TV is now collecting subscriptions with hopes to launch on March 1st.
The Accursed Tower and Tower of the Flies were the infamous defences of the city of Acre. Strange legends surround both towers, and they would prove to be formidable challenges to besieging armies during the Crusades.
Kate Buchanan is joined by Joanna Richardson to discuss Joanna’s journey to studying medieval Scottish history and her work on Edward Bruce and the Scottish Invasion of Ireland.
A conversation with Judith Herrin about the fascinating history of Ravenna between 400 and 800 AD.
“When, how, and why did the Black Death reach Europe?” These are the questions asked by Hannah Barker. In a new article, the historian finds that the long-believed story of how this great medieval plague reached Europe is likely untrue, and that the story of the pandemic’s spread has to deal with grain and trade.
One of the most influential animals of the medieval world, both in the barnyard and on the table, was also one of the most troublesome: the pig. This week, Danièle speaks with Jamie Kreiner about how the humble pig influenced everything from culture to theology.
The medieval idea of fighting a duel to determine who is right is one that has some appeal even in the modern-day.
Our next book in the Book of the Month Club will be The Use of Medieval Weaponry, by Eric Lowe.
A look at the movie adaptions of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, along with other media.
Clothing is a vital part of both our identities and our economies. So, how was cloth made and distributed in the Middle Ages? This week, Danièle speaks with John S. Lee about medieval cloth-making, and the role of the medieval clothier.
Researchers examining the Justinianic Plague have discovered that late 19th century misconceptions about the outbreaks of pandemic led to an ingrained belief that they inherently cause widespread death and change the course of history.
In the Manner of the Franks: Hunting, Kingship, and Masculinity in Early Medieval Europe, by Eric Goldberg examines the history of hunting in Europe from the years 300 to 1000.
Beñat Elortza Larrea discusses the ravages of famine, warfare and disease in fourteenth-century Scandinavia, culminating with the formation of the Kalmar Union in 1397.
The legends led to expeditions in the 16th century to find the fabled fountain and their adventures, in turn, have inspired filmmakers to portray them.
Corruption, especially in government, is an age-old problem. How did people in the Middle Ages try to solve it?
An anthology of Byzantine tales of horror. Learn about foul murders, demonic visitations, the undead, and the criminally insane; also, the Byzantine science of demonology and the spirit world.
Our next book in the Book of the Month Club will be The Use of Medieval Weaponry, by Eric Lowe.
For anyone who visits Örebro, it is hard to miss its castle – an ancient-looking fortress made of weathered grey stones that stands on an islet in the middle of the city centre.
On the 10th of August 1628, the Vasa sank in Stockholm harbour, thus ending the career of the most powerful warship that Sweden had ever seen.
This strategic location not only makes the castle a majestic sight, but also earns it the reputation as the most modern defence fortress in its time. But, as all ancient buildings, there is always more than meets the eye. Here are the five things that you may not know about Uppsala Castle.
How do you operate a business when you can’t read and your knowledge of math is extremely limited? Making your mark on the…
Narbonne is one of those European cities with evidence of its past on every street.
The V&A Museum opened its latest medieval exhibit exhibit on Saturday: Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery. I had the opportunity to see it opening day and it was spectacular.