Scandinavian trade ‘triggered’ the Viking Age, researchers find
Archaeologists from the University of York have played a key role in Anglo-Danish research which has suggested the dawn of the Viking Age may have been much earlier – and less violent – than previously believed.
Medieval London as Seen through the Eyes of Czech and German Travellers
The aim of this article is to analyze the first depictions of London in Czech literature, namely in travel journals of the Czech writer and traveller Wenzel Schaseck of Birkov and the German burgher Gabriel Tetzel of Gräfenberg
Some Remarks on the Economic Development of the Komnenian Byzantium
The purpose of this article is to identify some of the factors which contributed to this economic revival and rectify the image of Byzantium in the 12th century
Epic (and Not-So-Epic) Names from Le Morte D’Arthur
Looking for a name for your avatar? Look no further! Everyone knows Lancelot and Gawain, but here are some lesser-known names from one of my favourite books: Thomas Mallory’s Le Morte D’Arthur.
12th-century copy of Consolation of Philosophy was written in Scotland, scholar finds
A twelfth-century copy of the ‘Consolation of Philosophy’ by Boethius, has been revealed to have been been written in Scotland, making it the oldest surviving non-biblical manuscript from that country.
The Oblate’s Confession, by William Peak
Read an except from William Peak’s debut novel, which won the Best New Voice award for Fiction at the 2015 Benjamin Franklin Awards
Californication – Medieval cover version by Stary Olsa
The Belarussian band Stary Olsa, whose video of their medieval version of Metallica’s song One was a viral hit last year, have just released a new cover for the song Californication, originally by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The Multilingual Origins of Medieval Irish Surnames
Surnames came into widespread use in Ireland at a time where five vernacular languages were in operation – Irish, English, Norse, Welsh and Norman French.
Ore, Fire, Hammer, Sickle: Iron Production in Viking Age and Early Medieval Iceland
Iron production may be used as a window through which to view, in part, the economic structure of Icelandic society during the Viking Age (c. AD 870-1000) and Early Medieval (AD 1000-1264) periods.
Medieval Self-Portraits
We take a look at ten self-portraits from the Middle Ages.
New Richard III Art Exhibit Opens Today
Renowned Leicester artist exhibit of the reinterment of Richard III at Leicester Cathedral opens today
Merlin: The Medieval Embodiment of Overcoming the Devil
Merlin, child of a demon and pious woman, first appears in late twelfth century literature and develops uncanny prophetic abilities and unnatural powers rooted in his supernatural heritage, transforming him into a mysterious figure empowered by knowledge and cloaked in dichotomies resulting from his mixed parentage.
Eleanor of Aquitaine: Not Your Average Medieval Woman
Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of the most well-known English queens of the Middle Ages.
What was it like to be a Cow? History and Animal Studies
This essay outlines where the history of animals is now, and suggests where it and the historiographical issues raised by the inclusion of animals in a study of the past might go in the future.
Cnut: England’s Danish King
There is very little historic information on King Cnut even though he was the most powerful king in northern Europe in the early eleventh century.
Ten Thoughts on Game of Thrones: Sons of the Harpy
Somewhat random thoughts on Season 5 Episode 4 of Game of Thrones…
13th-century Rune Stick discovered in Denmark
Archaeologists working in the Danish city of Odense have discovered a rune stick with Latin writing dating to the early 13th century.
Review of Wolf Hall, Episode 5: Crows
In this tense and well written episode, Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell experience, in different ways, the unpredictable, explosive anger of Henry VIII.
Angels and the Antichrist: The Cardeña Beatus
Take a look inside the pages of the 12th century manuscript Cardeña Beatus
Is this title real or from Game of Thrones?
Here are 20 of the strangest sounding official ranks and titles. Some are genuine British royal or parliamentary titles – and some are from Game Of Thrones. Which is which?
Renaissance Splendors in L.A.
Danielle Trynoski takes in the new Renaissance Splendors of the Northern Italian Courts exhibit at the Getty Center in Lost Angeles
Comparing China and India in the 9th century
A ninth-century Arabic text offers insights into daily life in medieval China and India.
Top 10 Villains of the Middle Ages
We present ten of the worst villains from the literature and legends of the Middle Ages.
William Wallace: The Man Behind the Legend
Wallace was a flesh and blood man who had no idea that he would one day become a national hero of Scotland and an international legend; however, in the right time and in the right circumstances, normal becomes exceptional and exceptional becomes legendary.
The Rök Stone – Riddles and answers
Challenges to the mind were popular at the Frankish court at the time of the Rök Stone. Due to the political situation in Scandinavia at that time the stone was made in a combined Swedish and international context. The methods of the stone are clearly influenced by the Frankish renaissance initiated by Alcuin of York.