Medieval Geopolitics: The Two Types of Warfare in Medieval Europe
In this, the first post of the Medieval Geopolitics series, I take a look at the two types of political war fought in medieval Europe.
X-Ray Imaging uncovers hidden ancient text in medieval manuscript
This week researchers in California are scanning a medieval manuscript to help uncover a medical text by the ancient physician Galen, which was scrapped off and replaced in the eleventh-century.
Seven Wonders of the Medieval Far North
Konungs skuggsjá explains the wonders of the strange waters around Greenland, a far corner of the medieval world.
Researchers discover early medieval women with their skulls altered
A new palaeogenomic study of early medieval people in southern Germany has revealed the presence of women who had their skulls artificially altered.
How was music invented? A medieval answer
Have you ever wondered how music was invented? Apparently, people in the Middle Ages thought about this question too, and they came up with several interesting answers.
The Newberry opens up access to 1.7 million historical images
The Newberry seeks to promote wider public engagement with 1.7 million high-res images now online.
10 New Youtube Videos for Medieval Lovers – Volume 4
Ten videos posted in the last month on Youtube for the medievalist’s viewing pleasure!
New Medieval Books: From Ironmaking to Psalters
Five recently publishing books covering the Middle Ages – taking you from Ireland to Germany and from Sicily to Norway.
Who was Christine de Pizan?
Danièle Cybulskie talks about an awesome fifteenth-century female writer: Christine de Pizan.
The Spiritual Athlete: Elizabeth of Spaalbeek
Elizabeth stands out, though, in the sheer physical strength and flexibility shown by her ability to hold postures such as lying down with her head and shoulders elevated for an extended time – an incredible feat of core strength!
Learn Medieval History Online
Have you always wanted to study medieval history but not had the time?
Cumans in Kingdom Come: Deliverance
A new Czech video game – Kingdom Come: Deliverance – offers a realistic medieval simulator. Billed as a serious attempt to portray medieval life and history in general it certainly provides greater visibility to the Middle Ages, especially for events and peoples eastward from Vienna. However, it also features Cuman warriors in the role of the token bad guys, and in doing so miss an opportunity to present this people and their medieval history accurately.
How to Get Away with Murder in the Middle Ages
The circumstances of the case show just how easy it could be to get away with murder in the Middle Ages.
Quiz: The Art of Renaissance Florence
Here are twelve works of art from Florence between the 13th and 16th centuries. Do you know which artist created them?
Collection of 3,000 medieval manuscripts now online
After centuries of separation, one of the most valuable collections of manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Early Modern Age – the Bibliotheca Palatina – has been virtually reunited.
Famous Dogs in Medieval Literature
Four famous dogs from medieval literature.
English political refugees at the court of Sveinn Ástríðarson, king of Denmark (1042-76)
After the Norman conquest in 1066 and the failed rebellions in 1069-71, some sections of the aristocracy of Anglo-Saxon England fled as far afield as the Mediterranean, the Crimea, and the Byzantine court. Other crucial members of the Anglo-Saxon elite can be found in exile, somewhat closer to home, in Denmark.
Sumanguru Kante: The King with two Mothers
The recently translated account of The Epic of Sumanguru Kante offers some fascinating stories, including a description of how this West African ruler was born to two mothers.
7 Devious Ways to Defeat a Medieval Army
Could you defeat a medieval army without resorting to a clash of arms? A 10th century Byzantine military manual offers several tricks that could be used to devastate your enemy.
New Medieval Books: From China to Iceland
Five new books taking you throughout the medieval world.
Quiz: The Golden Age of Piracy
Criminals of the sea, desperate sailors or romantic heroes? How much do you really know about pirates?
Quiz: Strange Moments in History
Sometimes fact can be stranger than fiction and history is littered with strange tales of woe, mirth and the bizarre. Can you separate fact from fantasy in these 20 questions?
The Butterfly Lovers: A Classic Chinese Love Story
The earliest written record of the lovers is traced back to about 700AD, when the Tang Dynasty was reigned over by Empress Wu Zetian and was renamed as the (Restored) Zhou Dynasty.
Medieval Manuscripts: Seven Songs for an Absent Lover
The Pergamino Vindel leaf is famous for its 13th century collection of seven songs written in the voice of a young woman awaiting her absent lover.