Medievalists.net’s Featured Book: The Tale of Thorstein Staff Struck
The Medievalists.net Monthly Book Selection for April is The Tale of Thorstein Staff Struck, edited and translated by Jesse Byock and Randall Gordon.
The 50 Most Important Events of the Middle Ages
Our list of the most important events in the medieval world, between the years 500 and 1500 AD. This includes political and military events, as well as the dates of inventions, new writings and religious matters in Africa, Asia and Europe.
Face of Medieval Chinese emperor revealed through his DNA
What did a medieval Chinese emperor from 1,500 years ago look like? A team of researchers reconstructed the face of Chinese Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou using DNA extracted from his remains.
The Crusaders and Gaza
Almost eight hundred years ago, Gaza would be on the frontlines of another war, this one pitting the Crusaders against Fatimid Egypt.
Ten More Phrases that Originated in the Middle Ages
There are many phrases that we use in everyday life. Some of these were first spoken back in the Middle Ages.
Medieval Battle Injuries: What Archaeology Can Tell Us
Archaeology is transforming the way we understand medieval warfare. One way it is doing this is by revealing what kinds of injuries and wounds warriors received on the battlefield. Here are details from five sites showing how horrific warfare was in the Middle Ages.
How to Focus Like a Monk with Jamie Kreiner
We live in a world full of constant notifications, interruptions, and complications. If only we could get away from it all, the peace and quiet would allow us to concentrate. Or would it? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Jamie Kreiner about some new old strategies for concentration, courtesy of ancient and medieval monks.
New Medieval Books: Rewriting the First Crusade
This book focuses on letters that were written before, during, and just after the First Crusade. The analysis includes understanding which letters were genuine and which were fictitious.
Medieval horse cemetery reveals international equine trade
Archaeological analysis of a near-unique animal cemetery discovered in London nearly 30 years ago has revealed the international scale of horse trading by the elites of late medieval and Tudor England.
The Legend of Zaida, Princess of Seville
Natalie Mallat tells the story of Zaida, an 11th-century princess.
Discovery sheds new light on lost medieval Bristol landmark
The exact location of a long-lost stone cross erected by the 14th century that acted as a boundary marker to define the then city limits of Bristol, and which was also the site of a gallows which stood for hundreds of years, has been discovered by a historian from the University of Bristol.
New Medieval Books: The Book of Icelanders
The Book of Icelanders (Íslendingabók) by Ari Thorligsson is a twelfth-century history of Iceland, including its settlement, Christianization and its first bishops. This book includes the Old Norse text and two kinds of translation: a literal one and a regular English translation.
New book on Viking combs in England
Ipswich can be placed at the centre of the developing early medieval world thanks to a unique collection of Viking combs, as detailed in a new book published this week.
The Most Important Quality of a Viking Warrior
What qualities defined a great Viking warrior?
The Battle of Ramla (1102): High-Watermark of the Egyptian Army
The Fatimid Egyptian empire fielded one of the most overlooked forces in the crusading period.
The emperor’s clothing and public appearances, with Maria Parani
A conversation with Maria Parani on the emperor’s clothing and the staging of his public appearances. We talk about his most formal garments, what he wore on the battlefield, his military banner, how he changed, and much more.
Ten Overlooked Women Who Defined the Medieval Era
Ten remarkable medieval women whose captivating contributions merit greater acknowledgment.
When an Albanian ‘King’ Marched through Medieval London
The tale of a labour dispute aboard a Venetian vessel provides insights into the inhabitants of medieval London.
Medieval Hair with Emanuele Lugli
It may be an ordinary body part, but medieval people definitely had strong opinions about hair and what it said about you. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Emanuele Lugli returns to talk about hair, how it was used as a form of control, how it spilled out onto artists’ canvasses, and what this all has to do with bodily excrement.
New Medieval Books: The Ruling Families of Rus
A look at the history of Rus, Lithuania, Moscovy and Tver from the 11th through to the 15th century through the members of the Volodimerovich clan. Each chapter focuses on a ruler and their family.
Intriguing Skull Modifications Discovered in Viking Women
A recent study delves into the discovery of three women from Viking-Age Gotland who underwent skull elongation. This investigation sheds light on the fascinating tradition of body modification prevalent among the Norse and Vikings.
Holidaying in the Middle Ages
Have you wanted to escape into the medieval past?
How to defeat Crusader Knights
Despite their strength, Crusader knights in the Medieval Middle East had vulnerabilities that could result in their defeat in battle.
Site of Medieval Baptismal Font Discovered in Germany
Archaeologists working in Quedlinburg have uncovered the remains of a baptism font from the 10th century. It is very likely the place where various members of the ruling Ottonian Dynasty received the sacrament of baptism.
New Medieval Books: Leading the Rebellion
A self-help / personal philosophy guide with a medieval twist, as the author uses a modern interpretation of the code of chivalry to lead his life to the fullest. His knightly virtues have led him to create one of the top YouTube channels related to the Middle Ages.