A Medieval Dream
A pregnant woman in medieval London dreams of a log of wood and a slab of marble. What does it mean?
Latest Posts
A Medieval Dream
A pregnant woman in medieval London dreams of a log of wood and a slab of marble. What does it mean?
Our new book on the armies, and on revisionism in history, with Marion Kruse
In this 100th episode of Byzantium & Friends, Marion and Anthony talk about their new co-authored book, The Field Armies of the East Roman Empire, 361-630
Wonders and Rarities with Travis Zadeh
One of the favourite activities of medieval scholars was to write massive encyclopedias, distilling every last detail of the known world into book form to share with an insatiably curious public. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Travis Zadeh about a thirteenth-century bestseller written by a scholar named Qazwini, who brought together natural philosophy and what we might now call supernatural philosophy to reveal the workings of the world and the universe.
30 Medieval Superstitions
We know a lot about Christianity in the Middle Ages, but much less about the ‘pagan’ and folk religion that many people had. A list from the eighth century offers some clues into those medieval beliefs and superstitions.
The Battle of Castillon (1453)
The Hundred Years’ War goes to Gascony, as the English and French do battle at Castillon. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about why the English commander John Talbot made such a tragic mistake in attacking the French camp.
Robert of Sablé: From British Templar to Video Game Villain
Templar master, trusted admiral and skilled diplomat, Robert of Sablé had a chequered past – but he does not deserve the parody reputation that has emerged as a product of modern video gaming.
Strange Borders with Medieval Origins
Are you a geography fan, excited about enclaves and exclaves? Here we take a look at six strange border areas whose origins date back to the Middle Ages.
20 Myths about the Middle Ages
People have some very wrong ideas about the Middle Ages. Here is a list of twenty of the strangest misconceptions about the medieval period – they often came about to portray the people as being ignorant, cruel and unsophisticated.
Viking-age bronze buckle discovered in Gotland
Two medieval buckles were discovered this summer on the southern part of the Swedish island of Gotland. The first one was spotted by an 8-year-old boy.
Australian Catholic University proposes closing its Medieval and Early Modern Studies program
The Australian Catholic University has released a plan calling for the closure of its Medieval and Early Modern Studies program. Efforts are underway to save the program and the jobs of the seven people it employs.
Trees and Religion in Early Medieval England with Michael Bintley
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Michael D.J. Bintley about the evolving role of trees in early medieval England.
6th-century treasure hoard discovered in Norway
“This is the find of the century in Norway. Discovering such a significant amount of gold at once is extremely rare.”
14th-century cannon discovered off Swedish coast
An international research team has confirmed that a cannon discovered off Sweden’s west coast dates back to the 14th century. It might be Europe’s oldest shipboard cannon.
14 Medieval Sayings: ‘These are beautiful words to understand’
Need some medieval wisdom? A 14th-century merchant has left us a collection of sayings and proverbs under the title ‘These are beautiful words to understand’.
On the Paths of Hugues de Berzé: A Repentant Crusader Knight
Hugues de Berzé and how is experience in the Fourth Crusade changes him.
The Woman who Ruled the Papacy
The Papacy is a very male-dominated institution. However, for several years it was a woman who held true power over the Popes in Rome.
The Templars and the Murder of Becket
The Templars wanted peace in the West – but if that was not possible, they could turn moral outrage into money for the defence of the East.
New Medieval Books: A Cultural History of the Medieval Sword
A look at how later medieval society viewed swords as an important item and symbol. it was not just nobles and knights who wanted to wield this weapon; there were many others who held the sword in high regard, and wanted to carry it and be trained in how to use it.
How Does a Place Become Holy? The Case of the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem
The interesting question is: in what sense was the monastery connected to the Cross, and when and why was this connection established?
A Medieval Legal Dilemma: The Prostitute, the Maid and the Infidel (and the Man who Loved them)
This medieval legal dilemma might be fictitious, but it offers an intriguing problem that would challenge 12th-century students. Can you try to figure it out?
Lands around Tintagel Castle to be protected
A stretch of rugged England’s coastline that borders the medieval fortress of Tintagel has been acquired by the National Trust and will be protected.
The Medieval Back-to-School Shopping List
Five things that would be on a medieval back-to-school shopping list.
A new history of medieval Christianity, with Peter Heather
On Byzantium & Friends, it is a conversation with Peter Heather about his new book Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion, AD 300-1300.
Medieval letter about ‘Voluntary enslavement’ discovered by historian
Could ever a person want to become a slave? A remarkable letter written over a thousand years ago reveals how a group of ten men were seriously considering doing just that, as they hoped to escape terrible prison conditions.
BooksAll posts
New Medieval Books: A Cultural History of the Medieval Sword
A look at how later medieval society viewed swords as an important item and symbol. it was not just nobles and knights who wanted to wield this weapon; there were many others who held the sword in high regard, and wanted to carry it and be trained in how to use it.
New Medieval Books: Crusades and Violence
New Medieval Books: Byzantine Cavalryman vs Vandal Warrior
Book of the Month: Sebeos’ History, Volume 2
Tale of 14th-century Killer Monk uncovered by historian
Four Medieval Sourcebooks for Instructors, Students and Enthusiasts
New Medieval Books: Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders
20,000 words included in new dictionary of Shakespeare’s English
New Medieval Books: Invasion: The Forgotten French Bid to Conquer England
Places to SeeAll posts
Örebro Castle: History, Secrets, and Romance
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.
The Vasa: Gustav II Adolf’s Glorious and Doomed Warship
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.
Uppsala Slott: 5 Things You Ought to Know About One of Sweden’s Greatest Castles
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.
Making Your Mark: Medieval Masons’ Marks at Tarascon
How do you operate a business when you can’t read and your knowledge of math is extremely limited? Making your mark on the…
The Weird, the Wonderful, and the Macabre in the Cathedral of Narbonne
Narbonne is one of those European cities with evidence of its past on every street.
Medieval English Embroidery on Display for the Last Time at the V&A’s Opus Anglicanum Exhibit
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.