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.
Why are there Ostrich Eggs in Medieval Churches?
The peculiar practice of placing ostrich eggs in medieval church sanctuaries has left historians and theologians puzzled for centuries.
The Most ‘Evil’ Rulers of the Middle Ages
These medieval rulers would earn nicknames like the Bad, the Cruel and the Accursed! While many rulers in the Middle Ages could be…
Joan of Arc rode 3,000 miles on horseback, study finds
Joan of Arc, a historical figure shrouded in mystique and valour, is often celebrated for her unwavering faith and military prowess. However, one aspect of her remarkable story that often goes unnoticed is her exceptional skill as an equestrian.
New Medieval Books: The Utrecht Chronicle of the Teutonic Order
A chronicle written in the second half of the 15th century, which details the history of the Teutonic Knights, a military order that fought in the Near East and Baltic regions. The account came at a time when the order was in decline, but offers insights into how they viewed themselves and their mission.
New Roads, New Rome: A Byzantine Playbook for Modern Politics
A look at Anthony Kaldellis’ new book The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium.
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.