Where the Middle Ages Begin
This fascinating two-volume work explores urban life in China during the Song Dynasty, offering insights into the appearance of its cities, how they were governed, and what everyday life was like for the people who lived and worked in them.
What everyday objects did people use in the Middle Ages? From clothing and household necessities to tools for work and warfare, these 25 medieval items were essential to daily life and shaped how people lived, ate, and survived.
Delve into the pivotal figures of the Middle Ages whose enduring legacies shaped the course of history. From visionary leaders and profound scholars to prolific writers and formidable warriors, these individuals left an indelible mark on medieval society.
Discover the 50 most significant events of the Middle Ages, spanning the years 500 to 1500.
Here are seven vivid facts about colour in the Middle Ages
In medieval times, many unique jobs, such as Ale-wife and Groom of the Stool, were essential but have since vanished. Discover these obsolete occupations and how historical changes led to their disappearance.
Are you wanting to talk more like someone from the Middle Ages? We have a list of 30 great sayings and proverbs that you can use in your conversations.
Have you wondered what a medieval king did on a typical day? Thanks to Christine de Pizan, we have an account of what daily life was like for King Charles V of France.
Some of our most popular phrases have a long history, including some that go back to the Middle Ages.
Want to know what kind of jobs there were in the Middle Ages? A unique source from the 15th century gives us some beautiful images of medieval people at work.
This fascinating two-volume work explores urban life in China during the Song Dynasty, offering insights into the appearance of its cities, how they were governed, and what everyday life was like for the people who lived and worked in them.
Discover how much medieval peasants paid in taxes, from butter and livestock to silver, and why heavy taxation sparked rebellion in Sweden.
Denmark will 3D scan Viking runestones in a new research project to uncover political networks, social relationships and power structures of the Viking Age.
Falkenstein Castle in Germany, dating back to the 12th century, is receiving €40,000 to restore the roof of its medieval chapel tower.
The end of Roman rule brought great changes to Britain, but much of what happened in the centuries that followed remains a mystery. Focusing on western Britain, this book draws on archaeological discoveries to explore its forgotten kingdoms, their extensive trading networks, and the role of Tintagel as a royal stronghold.
Ancient oak trees in Italy reveal how the Black Death helped medieval forests recover, leaving an ecological legacy still visible nearly 700 years later.
Was Beowulf really a hero? A new study of the Old English epic suggests the poet sometimes portrayed him through the eyes of his monstrous enemies.
Beginning November 2nd, this six-week course explores the different identities, linguistic groups, and geopolitical changes that helped shape the medieval Scottish kingdoms.
A new DNA study reveals how medieval Polynesian voyagers settled Hawaii and Easter Island, uncovering genetic links across 7,000 kilometres of ocean.
Medieval teeth reveal how children in England’s Peak District were exposed to toxic lead pollution as early as the seventh century, a new study finds.
Throughout the medieval world there was a strong belief in supernatural beings. If you lived in the Middle East, they would be called djinn, demons or devils. If you dare want to know more about these monsters, read on!
Read a translation of a medieval Italian account of King Arthur, from his conquests and the Round Table to Mordred’s betrayal and their final battle.
New research suggests that Simonetta Vespucci, the inspiration for Botticelli’s Venus, may have died from a pituitary tumour rather than tuberculosis.
Who carried out executions in the Middle Ages? Lorris Chevalier explores how medieval executioners emerged as professionals and how they were portrayed in French literature.
Explore seven fascinating facts about medieval Algeria, from Fibonacci and Ibn Khaldun to powerful dynasties, historic cities and Islamic architecture.
The Diamond Sutra, printed in China in 868, is the world’s oldest surviving complete dated printed book. Its dedication reveals a personal story of family and Buddhist generosity.
This extensive collection of translated texts explores the emperors of Byzantium from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries. Drawing on chronicles, letters and other historical sources, it offers a sweeping tour of Byzantine politics across more than a thousand years.
Medieval castles and churches across England, including Hastings Castle and Dover Castle, will benefit from new government conservation funding.
A new open-access book explores why Ibn Khaldun’s medieval ideas about the rise and fall of civilizations still matter more than 600 years later.
Dutch immigrants brought hopped beer to medieval England in the 14th century, gradually transforming English brewing and drinking habits.
What did people eat in the early Middle Ages? Or, more precisely, what were they advised to eat? This sixth-century text, presented here in an edition and translation, offers dietary advice and recipes intended for a Frankish ruler.
Archaeologists in France have uncovered an early medieval palace complex near Dijon, featuring a large church, stone buildings and Roman-style heating.
A major DNA study of 7,700 early medieval burials reveals new insights into migration, family life, disease and cultural identity across Europe.
Kelly DeVries tells the remarkable story of Swegen Godwinson, whose murder, scandals and exile left his younger brother Harold to face William the Conqueror at Hastings.
This fascinating two-volume work explores urban life in China during the Song Dynasty, offering insights into the appearance of its cities, how they were governed, and what everyday life was like for the people who lived and worked in them.
A conversation with Derek Krueger on homoerotic language and imagery in the works of the eleventh-century writer Symeon the New Theologian. These passages are unusual enough that earlier editors and scholars were made uncomfortable about them. We discuss their devotional context but also the broader context of homoeroticism and homophobia in the monastic world of that time.
This episode of Bow & Blade was recorded live at the 2026 International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds. Kelly and Michael answer questions including was Agincourt the most decisive battle of the period, what battle do they find most useful to teach, and who was the most effective general of the Middle Ages?
Florence and its allies faced the forces of Arezzo in one of the most important battles of medieval Tuscany. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Campaldino and the fighting that brought Dante Alighieri onto the battlefield.
A conversation with Naomi Pitamber about the art and architecture of the empire of Nicaea (Nikaia), the Roman state that emerged in Asia Minor after the disaster of 1204.
King Richard III faces Henry Tudor in one of the decisive battles of the Wars of the Roses. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Bosworth and how the identification of its battlefield has offered new insights into how the fighting unfolded.
As the Hundred Years’ War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.