Medieval astrolabe reveals cross-cultural scientific exchange
Medieval astrolabes are seen as one of the great examples of medieval science. A new article reveals how one of these artifacts from the 11th century bears both Arabic and Hebrew inscriptions making it one of the oldest examples ever discovered and one of only a handful known in the world.
The 2024 Meeting of the Medieval Academy of America begins at Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame is hosting medievalists from around the world as the annual meeting of the Medieval Academy of America begins. Even if you are not attending in person, you can watch some of the important events online.
Dirty Books with Kate Rudy
Through grime, stains, and wax droplets, the filthiest, most well-loved manuscripts tell us the story of how medieval people used – and abused – their books. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Kate Rudy about what we can learn from the smudges the people of the Middle Ages left behind, how modern technology helps us figure it out, and why we should all appreciate a really dirty book.
Crusaders and the Other Siege of Damascus (1129)
One thing was clear to even the most untalented strategic thinker amongst the Crusaders – they needed to recover at least some of the old Christian inland cities of the Holy Land if they were to create a defence in depth.
Medieval physicians performed a vivisection on a living patient, study finds
The Middle Ages had their share of amazing medical stories, but perhaps nothing was more unusual than a surgery that took place in Paris in the year 1475. A chronicle from that time reveals that not only did physicians perform a vivisection on a patient, but that the patient survived.
New Medieval Books: Pagans in the Early Modern Baltic
A collection of ten texts, in Latin with English translation, from the 15th and 16th centuries, which relate pre-Christian religious practices in the Baltics.
Online Medieval Studies courses coming in April
We will be launching two online courses in April. If you enjoy learning about medieval history we would love to have you enroll!
New Medieval Books: Political Culture in the Latin West, Byzantium and the Islamic World, c.700-c.1500
A comparison of three regions of the medieval world – Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Middle East – in how governments and politics operated. It looks to explain the question of who were the political elites from these areas and how they maintained power.
Medieval Siegecraft: Crusader vs Turkish vs Mongol
When it comes to sieges, which group was the most successful in the medieval Middle East: Crusaders, Turks or Mongols?
Ten Medieval Reasons a Man should not Marry
It sounds like a joke from a men’s magazine, but this list of ten reasons not to get married was created in the Middle Ages, by a man who became a Pope.
The Alchemy Craze in Medieval London
If you were living in London in the mid-15th century, you may have got caught up in the alchemy craze. The idea of turning base metals into gold and silver was seducing many people, including the King of England.
New Medieval Books: Rethinking Medieval Ireland and Beyond
A collection of 12 articles in honour of Terry B. Barry, Professor Emeritus at Trinity College Dublin. The articles deal with a variety of topics related to medieval Ireland, including its places and settlements.
The Infamous Military Campaign of 1379
The destruction of an English fleet led by Sir John Arundel in 1379 is reported by most chroniclers to be an unfortunate accident. However, if you read what Thomas Walsingham has to say about what happened, you get a far more horrific version of events.
Medieval guide explains where you should live
Are you looking for your next place to live? A medieval writer offers advice on where your home should be, even which way the windows should face.
Crisis and Resilience in Late Antique Rome, with Michele Salzman
A conversation with Michele Salzman about the resilience shown by the city of Rome and its ability to recover from crisis during the fifth-seventh centuries. These recoveries were usually spearheaded by the Senate of Rome, which continued to invest in the city and its institutions even after the emperors ceased to reside there full-time.
The Battles of Thermopylae
A rather unassuming spot in Greece has seen dozens of battles throughout history. On this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries are joined by Myke Cole to talk about the book The Killing Ground: A Biography of Thermopylae, written by Michael and Myke.
Introducing the Medieval Fox with Paul Wackers
Foxes were everywhere in the medieval world and the medieval imagination. But where do the ideas we have about foxes come from? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Paul Wackers about why foxes were loved and hated in the real world, in fables, and in the Christian imagination of the Middle Ages.
Bread in the Middle Ages
Kings, knights, monks, peasants – everyone in the Middle Ages ate bread. It was also the food that caused bitter religious disputes and could make you go insane.
New Medieval Books: Richard of Cornwall
A biography of Richard of Cornwall, the youngest son of King John. He had an eventful career, as a power player in England, a crusader, and as a contender to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire.
This map is 900 years old – how accurate is it?
Around the year 1136, a map was inscribed in China. It is considered a remarkable example of medieval geography, but how does it fare when tested against modern georeferencing?
Islamic Silver Unveiled: Geochemical Insights Rewrite History
A groundbreaking study has shed new light on the sources of early Islamic silver coins, known as dirhams.
New Medieval Books: The King’s Road
‘A Bottom-Up History of Diplomacy’ along the Silk Road between China and Central Asia, this book focuses on the years 850 to 1000. It aims to show the Silk Road was just as important a route for envoys as it was for merchants.
Medieval sites in Wales to host Easter events
Looking for some fun things to do at medieval castles and palaces? Cadw has released its events schedule for the Easter holidays, inviting families and history lovers alike to come together and experience the beauty of Wales’ historic landmarks.
From Modified Skulls to Schools of Knights: 10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten articles published in February, which tell us about topics including Viking filed teeth, Japanese ghosts and Gothic church towers.
Eyeglasses’ Arrival: How Immigrants Transformed Medieval England’s Vision
Eyeglasses can be considered one of the most important inventions of the Middle Ages. A recent study shows that by the 1440s people in England could buy their own spectacles, thanks to a group of immigrants living just outside of London.