New Medieval Books: The Secret History of the Mongols
A translation of a 13th-century account of the life and reign of Chinggis Khan, this is by far the most important source we have about the Mongols from the time they established their empire across Eurasia.
The Almost Kings of Anglo-Norman England
A look at four men – Robert Curthose, William Clito, Theobald II and Eustace – who almost became the King of England. Why didn’t they reach the throne?
Who were the Unsung and Oversung Heroes of the Middle Ages?
In their eighth Q&A, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including who were the almost famous leaders of the Middle Ages, the importance of languages for medievalists, and their favourite battle sites.
Have Sword Will Travel: The Templars as Military Consultants
We tend to think of the Templars as warriors, but with the caveat that they could not fight against fellow Christians. There were exceptions, however. Even the Templars could act as hands-off mercenaries in the murky world of medieval politics.
A Medieval Manuscript for a Healthy Life: Tacuinum Sanitatis
Through 130 beautiful pictures the Tacuinum Sanitatis provides unparalleled insights into 15th-century life.
“Give the lie to the Devil”: The Battle of Hattin
By John France The dead were scattered over the mountains and valleys, lying immobile on their sides … Hattin shrugged off their carcasses,…
Medieval Maps: The Holy Roman Empire in the 12th century
Our latest digital map of the medieval world is for sale on our Patreon.
New website tells the story of medieval people through their bones
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created the website ‘After the Plague: Health and History in Medieval England’ that makes use of skeletal remains to detail everyday lives during the era of the Black Death and its aftermath.
From Slavery to Students: 10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What is new in medieval studies? Here are ten articles published in November, which tell us about topics including Henry of Lancaster’s Revolt,…
Communities of the living, communities of the dead: hospitals in medieval social life
This paper discussed the nature of medical practice and care in the medieval hospitals of England and Wales, and in particular set out the way that archaeology can help us understand how these sites approached health and treatment.
Why Medieval Torture Devices are Not Medieval
Were medieval people tortured by a wide assortment of diabolical instruments?
Secret Code, Lost Language, Nonsense, or Hoax: The Voynich Manuscript’s Enduring Mysteries
Lisa Fagin Davis gives a tour of the ‘world’s most mysterious manuscript.’
Book of the Month: Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners for a Modern World
Our Book of the Month for December is Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners for a Modern World, by Danièle Cybulskie.
So you’re the Roman emperor… now what?, with Olivier Hekster
A conversation with Olivier Hekster about the position of Roman emperor, from the beginning to the sixth century. We talk a little bit about titles and mostly about the expectations that subjects had of their emperors and how the latter navigated these demands and tried, or failed, to play their roles properly.
The Best Medieval Books of 2023
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle continues the annual tradition of sharing some of her favourite books of the year, along with the top picks of Peter Konieczny, editor and co-founder of Medievalists.net.
New open-access book charts the archaeological discoveries at Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle’s origins date back to the 11th century. A newly published book – which you can read for free – reveals 15 years of archaeological excavations that have unearthed forgotten treasures and greatly enhanced understanding of the area’s rich medieval history.
Did people in the Middle Ages take baths?
It was said that the Middle Ages was ‘one thousand years without a bath.’ However, a closer look shows that baths and bathing were actually quite common in the Middle Ages, but in a different way than one might expect.
Rise and Fall of Medieval Tibetan Empire linked to Climate Change
Between the 7th and 9th centuries AD a new empire emerged in medieval Asia – the Tibetan Kingdom under the Yarlung dynasty expanded its domain in all directions, reaching as far as the Indian Ocean. A new study links their expansion and subsequent downfall to climate change.
New Medieval Books: The Catch
A comprehensive examination of fishing in medieval Europe, including how they were caught, how they went from sea (or river) to market, and what happened when overfishing led to scarcities.
Revisiting the Cloisters Cross: A One-Day Colloquium
The Cloisters Cross is widely recognised as a masterpiece of late Romanesque art. Carved of walrus ivory, it appeared after World War II in a private collection and was subsequently acquired by the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
Fashion for Fighting: Fabric Armor in the Latter Middle Ages
In this talk, we will discuss some of the types of defensive garments that existed in the 15th century through discussion and analysis of five different extant examples.
Medieval building discovered by archaeologists in Germany
Archaeologists working at Magdeburg’s Cathedral Square in eastern Germany have uncovered the remains of a large medieval building thought to be over a thousand years old.
How did people sleep in the Middle Ages?
A look at the theory that medieval people slept in two periods during the night.
King John and the Templars: Strange Times, Strange Partners
The extraordinary story of how the Templars stepped up to act as diplomats for England’s least diplomatic king.