The Knights Templar in Battle: Fanatics or Pragmatists?
Modern-day media typically presents Templar Knights as hate-filled fanatics, frothing with rage, and charging recklessly into combat. This is certainly the impression given by many contemporary books and films on the subject, but is this verdict accurate?
New Online Course: The Culture of Medieval Violence
Examine the medieval culture of violence through a range of sources that deal with everything from blood feud and battlefield to torture and comedy. Learn about the reality versus modern pop culture and what it really means to “get medieval.”
New Medieval Books: The Misadventures of Master Mugwort
The Misadventures of Master Mugwort: A Joke Book Trilogy from Imperial China By Su Shi, Lu Cai, Tu Benjun Translated by Elizabeth Smithrosser…
Medieval Falconry with Yannis Hadjinicolaou
In the Middle Ages, falconry was one of the most popular pastimes across the known world. More than just a pleasant diversion in the countryside, it was a way to show status, education, sophistication, and leadership. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Yannis Hadjinicolaou about why falconry was so widely beloved, and such a popular metaphor for both love and power.
Political Advice from a Medieval Statesman
How should one govern a state? For answers, we can turn to the wisdom of Gino di Neri Capponi, a 15th-century statesman whose advice on politics and governance remains surprisingly relevant. Written nearly 600 years ago, Capponi’s insights continue to offer valuable lessons for both modern leaders and individuals alike.
New Medieval Books: Laetentur Caeli
A set of translated documents from the mid-15th century related to inter-Christian relations and attempts to bring a union between the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Armenian, Coptic and Ethiopian churches.
Hidden Secrets of the Voynich Manuscript Revealed Through Cutting-Edge Scans
Cutting-edge technology has just uncovered hidden secrets within one of the world’s most mysterious medieval texts. Multispectral imaging has revealed previously invisible details in the Voynich manuscript, offering new clues about this undeciphered enigma that has baffled scholars for centuries.
New Medieval Books: The Life of St Brendan and His Prayer
St Brendan the Navigator is one of the most famous saints from the Early Middle Ages. This book translates his Vita, which recounts Brendan’s life, and a prayer of protection that he supposedly created.
The Travels of Manuel II Palaiologos, Emperor of the Romans
The story of Manuel II Palaiologos, whose travels would take him to Paris and London, and his efforts to protect his empire.
Did the Knights Templar Keep a Pet Crocodile? A Medieval Mystery Unveiled
The Knights Templar, renowned for their military prowess and mystique, may have had an unusual companion at their headquarters in Acre—a pet crocodile.…
Get Crafty: 5 Medieval DIY Projects You Can Start Today
Five simple medieval do-it-yourself projects you can try out to impress your friends
New Medieval Books: Introduction to the Carolingian Age
Serving as ‘an invitation to the study of Carolingian civilization,’ this book examines the political and societal changes that took place in Western Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries. It is mostly a guide to how this empire came about, the family that ruled it, and its quick end.
White Collar Crime in the Crusades
Many crimes in the crusader states were very visible—and often shockingly so. But there were other crimes that were far more discreet—and insidious.
How Robert the Bruce Secured the Scottish Throne
Discover how Robert the Bruce transformed his victory at Bannockburn into lasting dominance over Scotland. Learn how strategic alliances, land redistribution, and continued warfare helped him secure the Scottish throne and solidify his dynasty’s future.
Forging a Kingdom in the 11th century with Simon Doubleday – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 256
In the eleventh-century, Iberia was in the process of evolving networks of tiny villages into the powerful kingdoms we recognize from the end of the medieval period – sometimes by any means necessary. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Simon Doubleday about the ways in which Queen Sancha and King Fernando I shaped northern Spain and Portugal.
Logan in Tights: An Open (Love) Letter to Michael Sarnoski, Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer – and Hollywood in General
I’ve heard there’s a new Robin Hood movie in the works, and I am stoked.
10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in August, which tell us about topics including weddings in manuscripts and how the Middle Ages is reflected in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
New Medieval Books: The Price of Collapse
Why did the Ming Dynasty collapse in the 17th century? This book offers an answer by looking at grain prices and how they were affected by climate change.
Medieval Battle Speeches: Words That Shaped History
In the heat of battle, when swords clashed and armies trembled, a few powerful words could tip the balance between victory and defeat.
Medievalists.net’s Featured Book: The Doctors’ Dinner Party
The Medievalists.net Monthly Book Selection for September is The Doctors’ Dinner Party, by Ibn Butlan, translated by Philip F. Kennedy and Jeremy Farrell.
Now Available: The Battle of Hastings Online Course
Our online course on The Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest is now released.
Fight or Flee? The Medieval Dilemma Every Knight Faced
Every knight on the battlefield faced a critical decision: should they fight to the death or choose the shame of fleeing to save…
Medieval Pilgrimages: It’s All About the Journey
An integral part of this tangible form of faith was the pilgrimage: a spiritual journey to visit a holy site.
Feminist Medievalisms with Usha Vishnuvajjala – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 255
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Usha Vishnuvajjala about some of the surprising places the medieval world pops up in the modern world, and how it’s perfectly okay to love medieval fiction.