The Early Medieval Cutting Edge of Technology
Comparison of knives from England, Dublin and Europe revealed that the Vikings had little direct impact on England’s knife manufacturing industry, although there was a change in manufacturing methods in the 10th century towards the mass produced sandwich welded knife.
The Medieval Myth of Jewish Ritual Murder: Toward a History of Literary Reception
An analysis of this myth, beginning with the events around Hugh of Lincoln, is illustrative: The various literary and cultural transformations of the story provide an insight into the transition of the myth from its medieval genesis to its post-medieval reception.
Chronicle of Pseudo-Turpin: Book IV of the Liber Sancti Jacobi
The twelfth-century Chronicle of Pseudo-Turpin, also known as the History of Charlemagne and Roland, offers an ‘eye-witness’ account of events during the late eighth century.
Medieval Rules for Jousting
Here is a set of rules for jousting created by Alfonso XI, King of Castile, in 1330.
The Kraken: when myth encounters science
Hundreds of years ago, sailors were terrified by the Kraken, a dreadful sea monster capable of sinking ships and with a taste for human flesh.
Surrender in Medieval Europe – An Indirect Approach
Some of the most fundamental developments in the history of war in this part of the world took place towards the end of these seven centuries: the discontinuance of the ancient practice of enslaving prisoners, the emergence of an effective notion of non-combatant status and the growth of the practice of ransom – all developments relevant to the still unwritten history of surrender.
‘Pilgrimage’, pilgrimage, and writing historical fiction
Dr. Pick discusses how she wrote and published a historical novel and the connection between academic writing and writing for a broader audience.
Trolls in the Middle Ages
Where did trolls come from? What did medieval and early modern people think of trolls? How did the concept of the modern day troll evolve?
Archaeologists set explore Clifford’s Tower
The second phase of archaeological investigations to better understand the iconic Clifford’s Tower in York is set to begin this month.
Vital Factors in the Success of the Vikings
Viking raids in Western Europe met with an easy success which is rather astonishing.
This Week in Medieval Manuscript Images
From the Tower of Wisdom to attacking strawberries – over 50 images from medieval manuscripts to share with you this week!
Northumberland Bestiary now online
The Getty Museum has recently digitized and made available the Northumberland Bestiary, a 13th century manuscript containing descriptions and images of animals and beasts.
What’s New in Medieval Fiction
Here are seven recently published novels that will take you back to the Middle Ages!
Which Famous Explorer Are You Most Like?
Leif Erikson, Marco Polo, or perhaps someone from more recent times? Find out what drives you to discover the next great frontier…
The Lost Shoe: A Symbol in Medieval Scandinavian Ballads and Church Paintings
Tommy Olofsson examines the Clog Man, a medieval wall painting in a Swedish church – what was it really about?
Medieval Black Magic
Sins of evil black magic, as listed by the medieval theologian Burchard of Worms in the 11th century.
Winter, snow and cold in the life of the Westviking
The main purpose of this paper is to examine how the Westviking were influenced by winter, snow and cold in their day-to-day life as they were making progress in the West.
Hemingway’s Twentieth-Century Medievalism
This study shows how ‘twentieth-century medievalism’ provides a unified fictional microcosm for the novel and serves as a backdrop from which Hemingway projects his uniquely medieval modern-world tragedy.
Castle for Sale: Goudourville Castle in Southern France
This eleventh-century castle, located about an hour away from the city of Toulouse, is now a hotel and tourist attraction.
J.R.R. Tolkien and the morality of monstrosity
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is Beowulf for the twentieth century.
Which Member Of The Fellowship Are You?
Happy twelvety-third birthday to J.R.R. Tolkien! Let’s go back to the Lord of the Rings and find out which of the brave companions are you?
Move over Milan! Late Medieval and Renaissance Fashion in Venice
Milan may be Italy’s current fashion capital, but Venice had an important role to play in the development of the Italian fashion and textile industry since the late middle ages and renaissance period.
The Schola Saxonum and the Borgo in Rome
During the Anglo-Saxon era in England, there were many pilgrims to Rome. A community existed in Rome where these pilgrims would stay called the Schola Anglorum or Schola Saxonum.
2015 and Medieval Anniversaries
Historians like to look back at what happened exactly 100, 500 or even 1000 years ago – it makes for a good reason to re-evaluate and study these events. We at Medievalists.net also want to note the anniversary of these events from the Middle Ages.