Medieval Rednecks: How Rustici Became the Butt of the Joke
From crude punchlines to the ‘medieval mullet,’ discover how peasants—known as rustici—became the butt of jokes in medieval Europe.
New Medieval Books: Henry III: Reform, Rebellion, Civil War, Settlement, 1258-1272
The second volume in the monumental biography of Henry III, it tells the story of how the English king faced growing discontent, leading to a rebellion that almost ended his long reign.
Marco Polo and his World with Sharon Kinoshita
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Sharon Kinoshita about why Marco travelled so far, what sort of detail he wanted to share with his readers, and what was going on in the world around him.
The Scotichronicon: A Medieval Chronicle of Scotland’s Myths, Murders, and Kings
Discover the Scotichronicon, a vivid 15th-century Scottish chronicle by Walter Bower, blending history, politics, myth, and monastic life during the reign of James II.
“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”: Revisiting Bernard of Chartres’ Metaphor and Its Hidden Legacy
A look at the medieval origins and deeper meaning behind the metaphor of standing on the shoulders of giants.
10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in July, which range from a new database about London to a look back at the works of Jinty Nelson.
New Medieval Books: The Warhorse in England
Horses played a vital role in medieval warfare, and this book draws on the governmental records of Kings Edward I and Edward II to reveal how these animals were raised, trained for combat, and managed during military campaigns.
50 Jobs in the Middle Ages
Explore 50 real jobs from the Middle Ages—illustrated in a rare 15th-century manuscript from Nuremberg, showing medieval workers at their trades.
New Medieval Books: Images of Thomas Becket in the Middle Ages and Beyond
When Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, he was instantly transformed into one of the most prominent figures in medieval Christianity. His image spread widely across Europe, appearing in manuscripts, sculptures, stained glass windows, and other forms of material culture. This book brings together 11 essays that explore how Becket was represented, remembered, and venerated through these visual and physical media.
Matthew Paris: Was This Medieval Chronicler a Reliable Source?
Discover how Matthew Paris shaped medieval history through his chronicles, blending observation with commentary. Was he a faithful recorder of events or a monk with a message to deliver?
New Medieval Books: Frederick Barbarossa
This biography chronicles the life of Frederick Barbarossa, one of the most influential figures of the 12th century. As Holy Roman Emperor, his reign was marked by a relentless struggle for power across the German and Italian realms, as well as a pivotal role in the Crusades.
“A Noble Theme”: Orderic Vitalis as a Historian of Crusade
This article explores how the Norman monk Orderic Vitalis incorporated the First Crusade into his Ecclesiastical History, offering insights into early crusading narratives and their reception in medieval monastic circles.
A Medieval Clock Like No Other: Inside Al-Jazari’s Mechanical Marvel
Discover the story behind Al-Jazari’s Elephant Clock—one of the most imaginative mechanical inventions of the medieval world. Complete with dragons, falcons, and a water-powered time system, this medieval marvel blends engineering and artistry
The Pirate’s Daughter: A Story of Compassion from a Medieval Bestseller
A tale from the medieval Gesta Romanorum tells of a pirate’s daughter who frees a prisoner and faces a moral trial. Her bold defense reveals a deeper lesson about compassion, loyalty, and justice.
René of Anjou: The Medieval King Without a Kingdom
A royal with grand titles and no throne, René of Anjou left behind not an empire but a legacy of art, poetry, and grace.
New Medieval Books: Huon d’Auvergne
This book presents an edition and translation of a 14th-century epic poem that takes readers on a journey to hell—literally. Spanning over 12,000 lines, the narrative is rich with fantastical twists and unexpected encounters, including appearances by Charles Martel and the legendary Prester John.
In the Middle Ages, An Apple a Day Keeps Magic in Play
From Arabic grimoires to Sephardic love spells, medieval Spain reveals how apples were used in magical rituals across cultures and centuries.
The Medievalist Who Taught Us How to Spot a Fascist
Discover how medievalist Umberto Eco used his fiction, scholarship, and political insight to expose the signs of modern fascism—and why his warnings remain urgent today.
Top 10 Medieval Castles in Scotland
Explore 10 of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland, from island fortresses to tower houses—discover their history, architecture, and how to visit them today.
New Medieval Books: Crescent Dawn
This book explores the political and military history of the Ottoman Empire, tracing its rise in the fourteenth century through to the latter half of the sixteenth. It offers detailed accounts of major battles and sieges, with a particular focus on conflicts against European powers.
The Medieval Podcast: Episode 300!
This week, in celebration of Episode 300, Danièle answers your questions on everything from Hastings to hose, with a couple of surprises along the way.
Notker the Stammerer: The Monk Who Shaped Charlemagne’s Musical Legacy
Discover how Notker the Stammerer, a monk of St. Gall, helped shape Charlemagne’s musical legacy through his writings, chant compositions, and lasting influence on medieval liturgy.
How the Crusade Became a Medieval Institution
This article explores how the crusade emerged as a distinct medieval institution, shaped by ideas of holy war, just war, and penance.
New Medieval Books: History of the Venetian Dukes (1102-1229)
This newly translated chronicle provides a rare Venetian perspective on twelfth-century events, including the latter parts of the Fourth Crusade. The volume also features translations of two additional texts: a brief set of annals and a firsthand account of the 1071 election of Domenico Selvo as Doge.
