The Double-Headed Eagle in Byzantium: Myths and Realities
It’s a familiar image on church banners and tourist souvenirs: the double-headed eagle soaring over the memory of Byzantium. Yet the real story behind this symbol is far more complex — and far older — than many realize.
How Swaddling Shaped Infant Skeletons in the Middle Ages
Swaddling was a common practice in medieval Europe, believed to protect and strengthen infants — but archaeological research shows it may have had unintended effects on their developing skeletons.
New Medieval Books: Inventing the Renaissance
The typical portrayal of Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries is that it was a great era in which everyone produced even greater art. However, this book reveals that the ‘Renaissance’ was not so great after all, as the period was marked by political turmoil, warfare, and tragedy.
The 10 Most Common Jobs in a Medieval City
Discover the five most common jobs in a medieval city, based on records from fifteenth-century Montpellier. Learn how farmers, carpenters, butchers, shoemakers, and clerics shaped urban life
Were War Elephants Really Used During the Crusades?
Were war elephants actually used during the Crusades? Discover how history, art, and medieval imagination shaped Western perceptions of these towering beasts.
More Than Makers of Swords: The Hidden Life of Medieval Blacksmiths
Discover the overlooked world of medieval blacksmiths. Far from being just weaponsmiths for knights, blacksmiths built vital industries, shaped local economies, and rose to civic prominence across medieval Europe.
Who Were the Green Children of Woolpit? A New Look at a Medieval Mystery
Explore the mysterious story of the Green Children of Woolpit. This article offers a fresh look at the medieval legend, revealing how folklore, society, and historical realities intertwine.
New Medieval Books: The Queens and Royal Women of Sweden, c. 970–1330
Over thirty Swedish queens are profiled in this book, the first major study of royal women in Sweden between the 10th and 14th centuries. It offers new insights into the evolution of medieval queenship.
The Medieval Fiscal Revolution: How Kings Took Control of Money and Taxes
Discover how medieval kings transformed their realms through a “fiscal revolution” that centralized control over coinage and taxation, reshaping the foundations of state power.
Viking Founders, Modern Wars: The Rus Legacy in Russia and Ukraine
How Viking adventurers helped shape the foundations of Russia and Ukraine—and why their legacy remains at the heart of modern political conflict. Explore the Rus origin story from Rurik to Putin.
New Medieval Books: The Hippodrome of Constantinople
The Hippodrome of Constantinople stood at the heart of Byzantine public life. This book explores the history of the stadium, the thrilling chariot races it hosted, and the vital role it played in the political, social, and cultural fabric of the empire.
How to Destroy Your Economy: The Case of Alfonso the Learned
A closer look at how King Alfonso X of Castile—celebrated as “the Learned”—undermined his own kingdom through overambitious spending, aggressive economic controls, unstable currency, and heavy taxation. It reveals how one of medieval Spain’s most intellectual rulers engineered an economic collapse.
New Medieval Books: Historians on Robin Hood
This collection of 16 essays explores the medieval story of Robin Hood, examining its sources, how it may have been understood by medieval audiences, and what it reveals about the broader fabric of medieval society.
Daily Life in a Medieval Monastery
Discover the daily routines, rituals, and responsibilities of monks at Cluny Abbey in the 11th century. Daily Life in a Medieval Monastery offers a vivid look into food, clothing, prayer, hospitality, and the unique organization of one of medieval Europe’s most influential religious communities.
The Debate about Underwear among Medieval Monks
What did medieval monks wear under their habits? This study explores how underwear became a source of debate, modesty, and controversy in monastic life.
New Medieval Books: The Vikings in Poland
Drawing on a wide range of archaeological evidence, this book offers a detailed reconstruction of the Norse presence in the region of present-day Poland. It sheds new light on their material culture, religion, and interactions with both local populations and the emerging Polish state.
Can We Build a Forest from It or Not? Investigating the Relics of the True Cross
Did the relics of the True Cross really add up to a whole forest? This article explores medieval claims, 12th-century letters, and the ongoing debate over the authenticity of Christianity’s most famous relic.
20 Brilliant Quotes from Medieval Kings and Queens
Discover 20 powerful, witty, and thought-provoking quotes from medieval kings and queens—from Charlemagne to Tokugawa Ieyasu—revealing how rulers across Europe and Asia understood leadership, justice, language, and life.
A Vision from Heaven: The Dream That Inspired Cluny’s Great Church
Discover how a divine vision experienced by the monk Gunzo inspired the construction of Cluny III, the largest church in medieval Christendom. A story of faith, architecture, and the heavenly mandate that shaped a monastic masterpiece.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Crown of Thorns
Discover five surprising facts about the Crown of Thorns, from its origins as a leafy wreath to its role in medieval kingship and Christian art.
More Than Scholars and Victims: The Forgotten Lives of Medieval Jews
Discover the overlooked roles of medieval Jews—not just as scholars and victims, but as warriors, storytellers, and lovers. This article explores Jewish participation in battles, chivalric tales, and everyday life across the Middle Ages.
New Medieval Books: Easter
The origins and practices associated with the Christian festival of Easter are often a hotly debated topic. This book examines history of Easter and its connections with pagan religions.
The Rise of Henry Tudor with Nathen Amin
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Nathen Amin about Henry Tudor’s Welsh ancestry, how generations of royals and rebels shaped him, and how he managed to claim the English throne despite desperately long odds.
New Medieval Books: Enchanted Creatures
A journey through humanity’s long fascination with the monstrous, ranging from dragons to walruses. This book explores how cultures across time have imagined, exaggerated, and feared creatures both real and mythical.
