The Travels of Manuel II Palaiologos, Emperor of the Romans
The story of Manuel II Palaiologos, whose travels would take him to Paris and London, and his efforts to protect his empire.
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The Travels of Manuel II Palaiologos, Emperor of the Romans
The story of Manuel II Palaiologos, whose travels would take him to Paris and London, and his efforts to protect his empire.
Did the Knights Templar Keep a Pet Crocodile? A Medieval Mystery Unveiled
The Knights Templar, renowned for their military prowess and mystique, may have had an unusual companion at their headquarters in Acre—a pet crocodile.…
Get Crafty: 5 Medieval DIY Projects You Can Start Today
Five simple medieval do-it-yourself projects you can try out to impress your friends
New Medieval Books: Introduction to the Carolingian Age
Serving as ‘an invitation to the study of Carolingian civilization,’ this book examines the political and societal changes that took place in Western Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries. It is mostly a guide to how this empire came about, the family that ruled it, and its quick end.
From Iran to Scotland: Viking-Age Treasure’s Journey Unveiled
New research and conservation efforts have unveiled the Iranian origin of a lidded vessel that held many of the unique treasures in the Galloway Hoard. This revelation comes just in time for the vessel’s public debut, marking the 10th anniversary of the hoard’s discovery.
White Collar Crime in the Crusades
Many crimes in the crusader states were very visible—and often shockingly so. But there were other crimes that were far more discreet—and insidious.
How Robert the Bruce Secured the Scottish Throne
Discover how Robert the Bruce transformed his victory at Bannockburn into lasting dominance over Scotland. Learn how strategic alliances, land redistribution, and continued warfare helped him secure the Scottish throne and solidify his dynasty’s future.
Forging a Kingdom in the 11th century with Simon Doubleday – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 256
In the eleventh-century, Iberia was in the process of evolving networks of tiny villages into the powerful kingdoms we recognize from the end of the medieval period – sometimes by any means necessary. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Simon Doubleday about the ways in which Queen Sancha and King Fernando I shaped northern Spain and Portugal.
Uncovering Merlin’s Scottish Legacy: New Archaeological Findings at Drumelzier
Excavations at Tinnis Fort, which overlooks Merlin’s Grave, revealed that this prominent hillfort was occupied around the late sixth and early seventh centuries AD.
Logan in Tights: An Open (Love) Letter to Michael Sarnoski, Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer – and Hollywood in General
I’ve heard there’s a new Robin Hood movie in the works, and I am stoked.
10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in August, which tell us about topics including weddings in manuscripts and how the Middle Ages is reflected in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Cover Reveal: The Traitor of Sherwood Forest
Medieval scholar Amy S. Kaufman has written her first novel. Check out the cover to The Traitor of Sherwood Forest.
New Medieval Books: The Price of Collapse
Why did the Ming Dynasty collapse in the 17th century? This book offers an answer by looking at grain prices and how they were affected by climate change.
Medieval Battle Speeches: Words That Shaped History
In the heat of battle, when swords clashed and armies trembled, a few powerful words could tip the balance between victory and defeat.
Medievalists.net’s Featured Book: The Doctors’ Dinner Party
The Medievalists.net Monthly Book Selection for September is The Doctors’ Dinner Party, by Ibn Butlan, translated by Philip F. Kennedy and Jeremy Farrell.
Now Available: The Battle of Hastings Online Course
Our online course on The Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest is now released.
Fight or Flee? The Medieval Dilemma Every Knight Faced
Every knight on the battlefield faced a critical decision: should they fight to the death or choose the shame of fleeing to save…
Medieval Pilgrimages: It’s All About the Journey
An integral part of this tangible form of faith was the pilgrimage: a spiritual journey to visit a holy site.
Feminist Medievalisms with Usha Vishnuvajjala – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 255
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Usha Vishnuvajjala about some of the surprising places the medieval world pops up in the modern world, and how it’s perfectly okay to love medieval fiction.
Isolation and Disease in a Medieval Spanish Community: New Findings from Las Gobas
A recent archaeogenetic study has revealed intriguing details about Las Gobas, an isolated medieval community in northern Spain.
The Battle of Bryn Glas (1402) – Bow & Blade, Episode 54
At the beginning of the 15th century, Owain Glyndŵr would lead a Welsh rebellion against King Henry IV of England. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine one of the key battles of that war.
New Medieval Books: The Mirror of Simple Souls
This novel, originally in French as La nuit de béguines, tells the story of a community of religious women in 14th century Paris. It is based on the Beguines, the lay religious order that courted controversy in the later Middle Ages.
Medieval Coin Hoard Discovered in Germany
A remarkable medieval coin hoard has been discovered in southwestern Germany. Around 1,600 coins dating to the 14th century were found in the…
Birds of Night: The Role of the Owl in Medieval European Anti-Judaism
In medieval Europe, the nocturnal owl became a dark symbol intertwined with the prejudices of the time, representing Jews as dwellers in spiritual darkness. This unsettling association played a significant role in the era’s widespread anti-Judaism, influencing both religious beliefs and violent actions.
BooksAll posts
New Medieval Books: Introduction to the Carolingian Age
Serving as ‘an invitation to the study of Carolingian civilization,’ this book examines the political and societal changes that took place in Western Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries. It is mostly a guide to how this empire came about, the family that ruled it, and its quick end.
Cover Reveal: The Traitor of Sherwood Forest
New Medieval Books: The Price of Collapse
Medievalists.net’s Featured Book: The Doctors’ Dinner Party
New Medieval Books: The Mirror of Simple Souls
New Medieval Books: The Optics of Ibn al-Haytham Books IV-V
New Medieval Books: House of Lilies
New Medieval Books: Defining Nature’s Limits
New Medieval Books: A Companion to the Environmental History of Byzantium
Latest Podcast EpisodesAll posts
Forging a Kingdom in the 11th century with Simon Doubleday – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 256
In the eleventh-century, Iberia was in the process of evolving networks of tiny villages into the powerful kingdoms we recognize from the end of the medieval period – sometimes by any means necessary. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Simon Doubleday about the ways in which Queen Sancha and King Fernando I shaped northern Spain and Portugal.
Feminist Medievalisms with Usha Vishnuvajjala – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 255
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Usha Vishnuvajjala about some of the surprising places the medieval world pops up in the modern world, and how it’s perfectly okay to love medieval fiction.
The Battle of Bryn Glas (1402) – Bow & Blade, Episode 54
At the beginning of the 15th century, Owain Glyndŵr would lead a Welsh rebellion against King Henry IV of England. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine one of the key battles of that war.
Travel Through Medieval Eyes with Anthony Bale – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 254
As we wrap up another summer vacation season, it’s a good time to take a look at the way medieval people travelled for business, pleasure, and their immortal souls. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Anthony Bale about the ins and outs of medieval travel, and some of the wild stories of journeys gone wrong.
Hunting Fake History with Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 253
Ever come across a really amazing historical fact on the internet or in school, and tell it to all your friends, only to find out that it actually isn’t true? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse (aka the Fake History Hunter) about things that never happened, what it’s like to hunt fake history, and what really grinds her gears.
Medieval Beards and Baldness with Joseph McAlhany
If we need proof of how wonderful both baldness and beards are, we need only to cast our eyes back to the Middle Ages, where people were writing rhetorical arguments, alliterative poetry, and even learned sermons on the virtues of masculine hair. This week, Danièle speaks with Joseph McAlhany about these hilarious medieval texts, why people wrote them, and how seriously we’re supposed to take them.