Where the Middle Ages Begin
Sigrid Undset’s novel, also known in English as The Master of Hestviken, was written between 1925 and 1927 and played a significant role in earning her the Nobel Prize for Literature. The work is divided into four volumes: Vows, Providence, Crossroads, and Winter.
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.
If you lived during the Middle Ages, what kind of things would you have? Here is a guide to some of the everyday items that a medieval person would have used or had.
Sigrid Undset’s novel, also known in English as The Master of Hestviken, was written between 1925 and 1927 and played a significant role in earning her the Nobel Prize for Literature. The work is divided into four volumes: Vows, Providence, Crossroads, and Winter.
How did education flourish in medieval Iceland, a land without cities or universities? Discover how Icelanders nurtured their intellectual heritage through informal fosterage and cathedral schools, shaping some of the most renowned sagas and poems of the medieval world.
This talk examines the development and use of urban soldiers in warfare in medieval England with a focus on military efficacy and strategy value.
This book chronicles the rise of the Ming Dynasty and their creation of a formidable naval power that extended far beyond China’s shores, reaching deep into the Indian Ocean.
By Steve Tibble In the medieval world, crime was not just about survival or greed—it was deeply influenced by gender roles and social…
A significant archaeological discovery has been made beneath the cobbled streets of Richmond’s market place in North Yorkshire, England, during resurfacing works, revealing medieval pits containing bones, clothing, and remnants of past life.
Medieval Foundations of Limited Government Paper by Andrew Willard Jones Given at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute’s Annual Student Honors Conference, held between August…
This collection of 19 essays delves into the 10th-century journey of Ibn Fadlan to the Rus’ and Volga Bulgarians. The essays offer an in-depth analysis of his text, shedding light on how medieval Arab perspectives shaped their understanding of the Vikings and other northern peoples.
The lecture presents some of the most significant archaeological finds in Denmark from the transition from the pre-Christian period into the Early Middle Ages.
Last week, we looked at the story of Richard II and Henry IV, and the way these two cousins wielded the power of the English crown. This week on The Medieval Podcast, we round out the cycle that makes up the Hollow Crown by looking at Henry V, a man who many – including this week’s guest, Dan Jones – have called England’s greatest warrior king.
This book uncovers the economic influence of female monasteries in medieval society, revealing how they played a central role in shaping the economy.
The invention of gunpowder and its use in weaponry revolutionised medieval warfare, marking one of the most dramatic shifts in military history. What…
New DNA research reveals that Norse Vikings ventured into the High Arctic centuries ago, meeting Indigenous Arctic peoples and navigating treacherous waters to harvest walrus ivory.
This paper will examine the historical roots of Warhammer 40,000’s Endless Crusades, how they reflect the Pluralist School of crusade historiography’s expansive definition of crusading, and how the paranoia and fervour shaping these fictional wars is not so different from that of the real-world crusade movement.
At the close of the Middle Ages, a community of Ethiopian pilgrims settled in Rome. This book explores the records maintained by these Ethiopian Christians, shedding light on their way of life and their interactions with the Roman Catholic Church in the sixteenth century.
The Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford is urgently raising funds to purchase a painting of the Crucifixion by Renaissance master Fra Angelico, created in the 1420s. The museum has until 29 October to raise £4,481,000 to buy the painting, otherwise it will be sold to a private owner outside the United Kingdom.
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered a small knife inscribed with the country’s oldest runic inscription, hirila, meaning ‘Little Sword’. Dating back nearly 2,000 years, it is now on display at Museum Odense.
By Nancy Bazilchuk Noblemen and women, in fancy clothing and pearls – but with dragon wings and tails. A laughing man with a…
Embark on a journey through the fascinating world of the Vikings with the Life in the Viking Age online course. Offered by Medievalists.net, this self-paced mini course introduces you to how Norse society was structured and how people lived. Also included is discussion of the social classes, gender, and the importance of family.
How ancient is this bond between humans and storks? Where did it first form, and how has it evolved over time?
Scotland’s most iconic historical sites will be transformed from Saturday, 12 October to Sunday, 20 October for the Great Big Living History Week, featuring re-enactments and immersive performances that bring centuries of history to life.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, one of China’s greatest literary masterpieces, has fascinated readers for centuries with its epic tales of warfare, intrigue, and heroism. If you’re eager to dive into this 14th-century classic but don’t read Chinese, you might be wondering: Which English translation should you choose?
Kamala Harris’ laughter has stirred criticism that taps into centuries-old misogyny. This article links her detractors to medieval fears of humor’s power to challenge authority.
Struggling with speaking—whether in public or even with a friend? A medieval treatise offers timeless advice on what not to do.
Sigrid Undset’s novel, also known in English as The Master of Hestviken, was written between 1925 and 1927 and played a significant role in earning her the Nobel Prize for Literature. The work is divided into four volumes: Vows, Providence, Crossroads, and Winter.
Last week, we looked at the story of Richard II and Henry IV, and the way these two cousins wielded the power of the English crown. This week on The Medieval Podcast, we round out the cycle that makes up the Hollow Crown by looking at Henry V, a man who many – including this week’s guest, Dan Jones – have called England’s greatest warrior king.
Richard II came to the throne as a young child, only to lose it to his cousin Henry IV in 1399. But why did Henry take such drastic action? And what became of the teenage boy who stood up to a crowd of angry peasants and held his own? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Helen Castor about these rival cousins, the events that shaped them, and how an anointed king could lose his hollow crown.
What’s so great about Charlemagne? We’re about to find out. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Cullen Chandler about the reign of Charlemagne, how he ruled such a massive empire, and how he still took the time to care about font.
In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions about medieval warfare.
What’s new and beautiful and hitting the medieval history section of the bookshop? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle shares six new books spanning art, gunpowder, translation, and medicine in the Middle Ages.
In the Middle Ages, falconry was one of the most popular pastimes across the known world. More than just a pleasant diversion in the countryside, it was a way to show status, education, sophistication, and leadership. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Yannis Hadjinicolaou about why falconry was so widely beloved, and such a popular metaphor for both love and power.