12 Strange Magical Beliefs from the Middle Ages
Explore 12 strange magical beliefs from the Middle Ages, from werewolves to love spells, based on an 11th-century penitential handbook.
Byzantine Court Etiquette Was Basically Political Theatre
Zoe Tsiami on how Byzantine court etiquette turned imperial rule into political theatre, using ritual, symbolism, and spectacle to project power and reinforce hierarchy.
The Battle of Tours (732)
Though often regarded as one of the most important battles of the Middle Ages, the Battle of Tours remains shrouded in uncertainty. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore the limited evidence to uncover where the battle may have been fought and what might have taken place there.
New Medieval Books: The Life of St. Othmar
This hagiographical work recounts the life of Othmar, the first abbot of the Abbey of St. Gall. It describes his leadership, his imprisonment and death, and the miracles later attributed to him.
Judas in the Middle Ages: The Making of an Anti-Hero
Judas was one of the most troubling figures in medieval Christian thought, not simply as Christ’s betrayer but as a symbol of despair, envy, and damnation. Lorris Chevalier explores how medieval writers turned him into a full anti-hero, reshaping a brief biblical figure into one of the era’s most powerful moral myths.
How Church Leaders Helped Defend Medieval Germany
David Bachrach on how church leaders played a crucial role in defending medieval Germany, organizing fortifications and mobilizing communities under the Ottonian rulers.
New Medieval Books: Light on Darkness
For the uninitiated, the rituals, prayers, and music of the Catholic Church can seem difficult to understand. This book provides an accessible introduction to liturgy in Western Europe, showing what these rituals were meant to convey from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Afterlife of a Medieval Persian Text: The Qalandar-nama of Abdullah Ansari
Timur Khan explores the Qalandar-nama, a medieval Persian text attributed to Abdullah Ansari, and the challenges of tracing its manuscripts and authorship.
Who Lies in Winchester’s Medieval Mortuary Chests?
Researchers at Winchester Cathedral are using DNA, radiocarbon dating, and osteology to uncover the identities of medieval kings and bishops buried in its mortuary chests.
New Medieval Books: Basics of Bloomery Iron Smelting
In the ancient and medieval worlds, blacksmiths had to transform raw iron ore into workable metal. This book provides a practical guide to that process, focusing on the use of a furnace known as a bloomery.
Medieval Goths and Goth Music: The Surprising Connection
How did an early medieval tribe give its name to gothic architecture, literature, and music? Discover the surprising origins of the Gothic style.
How Many Workers Built a Medieval Cathedral?
Building a medieval cathedral didn’t take thousands. Discover how small teams at Girona Cathedral carried out this monumental task.
Stepping Into the Viking Age on a Winter Weekend in Massachusetts
Kelly Broderick visits North Folk Night Market in Massachusetts, where firelit performances, Beowulf, handcrafted wares, and winter storytelling bring the Viking Age to life.
The Size of Armies in Early Medieval Warfare
Were early medieval armies small warbands or much larger fighting forces? David Bachrach examines the fierce scholarly debate over army size and what it reveals about warfare after the fall of Rome.
Did King Harold Sail to Hastings? New Study Sparks Debate Among Historians
A new study argues that King Harold sailed south in 1066 rather than marching to Hastings, but the theory is already drawing criticism from historians.
Medieval Iceland’s Most Unusual Export: Sulphur
Discover how sulphur became one of medieval Iceland’s most important exports, linking the island to trade, warfare, and industry across Europe.
New Medieval Books: African Landings
Egypt was one of the great crossroads of the medieval world. This book examines the many travellers who journeyed there and recorded their impressions of the country and its people.
When Charlemagne Became a Thief: A Medieval Tale Retold
A medieval tale reveals an unexpected side of Charlemagne, as the emperor joins a thief in a strange story preserved in sagas and later poems.
Medieval Words That Became Slang
Discover how medieval words took on new meanings and became slang over time, from surprising insults to unexpected expressions.
10 Men Who Nearly Became King of England
Meet ten men who nearly became king of England in the Middle Ages, including Edward the Black Prince, Arthur of Brittany, and Louis VIII.
New Medieval Books: Widow City
In late medieval Italy, women often outlived their husbands. This book examines writings from the period to explore the different ways widows mourned their spouses and how they chose to carry on with their lives afterwards.
Did Medieval People Have Bad Teeth and Bad Breath?
Did people in the Middle Ages really suffer from terrible teeth and foul breath? A closer look at medieval medical texts and hygiene practices reveals a more complex picture of dental care and everyday health.
New Medieval Books: Approaching Records of the Household and Wardrobe
The Household and Wardrobe Accounts are English records that document the daily needs of the king and his family. This book serves as a guide to these sources, showing how they can be used and what valuable insights they offer into medieval government.
Legacy of the Geats: How the Memory of Beowulf’s Tribe Survives in Modern Sweden
Explore how the memory of the Geats—Beowulf’s tribe—survives in the language, place names, and landscape of modern Sweden.