Medieval Pilgrimages: Tourism, Shipwrecks and Robbers
Why did people go on medieval pilgrimages? Explore the dangerous journeys to Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela, from storms at sea to highway robbers.
Medieval Online Courses – Summer Sale!
Summer has arrived, and so has our biggest Medieval Studies Online Courses sale of the season! For a limited time, get 20% off any course — live or self-paced!
The Medieval Mystery Behind the Pied Piper
Did the Pied Piper legend begin with a real medieval tragedy? Explore the earliest accounts from Hamelin and the theories behind the mysterious disappearance of 130 children.
The Emperor as God’s Representative: Political Theology in the Byzantine Empire
Discover how Byzantine emperors ruled as God’s representatives, shaping politics, religion, and imperial authority through the empire’s unique political theology.
10 Medieval Inventions That Shaped the Modern World
The Middle Ages were an age of innovation. Discover ten medieval inventions that transformed everyday life and helped shape the modern world.
Merlin’s Prophecies: How Medieval People Believed He Predicted England’s Future
How did Merlin become the Middle Ages’ greatest prophet? Learn about the origins, meaning, and influence of Merlin’s famous prophecies.
Frederick II and Islam: Separating Myth from Reality
Explore the complex relationship between Frederick II and Islam, revealing how politics, science, and diplomacy shaped one of the medieval world’s most misunderstood rulers.
Why Are the Middle Ages Called the Dark Ages?
Why are the Middle Ages called the Dark Ages? Discover where the term came from, why it became popular, and why most historians avoid using it today.
How Roman Taxes Became Medieval Military Service
How did Roman taxes become military service? David Bachrach explores the transition from the late Roman fiscal system to military obligations in the early Middle Ages.
New Medieval Books: The North Caucasian Kingdom of Alania, 850–1240
The medieval world saw many kingdoms and states rise to dominate their regions, only to collapse and fade from memory. This book tells the story of one such realm—Alania—and traces its nearly 400 years of history.
The Holy Grail of Arthurian Manuscripts is for auction at Christie’s
One of the most important surviving manuscripts of Arthurian literature is set to go under the hammer at Christie’s this July, carrying an estimated value of up to £2 million. Christopher Berard explores the medieval romances that gave shape to the stories of King Arthur, Lancelot, Merlin, and the Holy Grail.
Medieval Movie Review: The Death of Robin Hood
Danièle Cybulskie reviews The Death of Robin Hood, the latest medieval movie, and finds a thoughtful film that draws deeply on medieval storytelling despite its historical liberties.
The Bell Tower as Urban Infrastructure: How Medieval Europe Built Its First Communication Network
How did medieval cities keep thousands of people working to the same schedule before watches and smartphones? Ali Mujtuba Zaidi explains how bell towers became medieval Europe’s first communication network.
New Medieval Books: Constructing the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles
Few texts are as important to our understanding of early medieval England as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This book investigates how the Chronicle came into being and how generations of scribes and scholars sustained the project for over 200 years.
13 Magic Tricks from the Middle Ages
Discover 13 magic tricks from the Middle Ages, from invisible ink and disappearing coins to floating eggs and burning mirrors, based on a medieval text.
New Medieval Books: Depicting the Holy War
How did Europeans view the crusades during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries? According to this book, the answer is literally painted on the walls. It examines five sets of murals from the period, revealing how medieval people chose to depict, remember, and interpret the crusades.
When the King of France Nearly Burned Alive
What was meant to be a night of celebration at the French royal court ended in flames, death, and scandal. The infamous Bal…
Tournaments in the Middle Ages: The Ultimate Medieval Spectacle
From thrilling jousts to chaotic mêlées, medieval tournaments were among the most exciting spectacles of the Middle Ages. Learn how knights competed for glory, honour, and fame.
Online Course: Writing Medieval Fiction Workshop
Starting Friday, June 26th, this 5-part workshop helps aspiring historical fiction writers with an interest in the medieval period hone their craft, balance historicity with story, and find publishing avenues for their work.
More Numerous Than the Grains of Sand: How Byzantium Supported the First Crusade
Tens of thousands of crusaders crossed Byzantine territory on their way to Jerusalem. Marek Meško reveals how Byzantine logistics and supply networks helped make the First Crusade possible.
The Myth of Charlemagne’s Decline
Did old age slow Charlemagne down? David Bachrach examines the emperor’s final years and argues that Charlemagne remained an active and effective ruler until his death in 814.
Souillard: The Best Dog of the Middle Ages
Discover the story of Souillard, the legendary hunting dog of King Louis XI, whose fame inspired a rare medieval poem and helped shape the mythology of France’s royal hunting traditions.
78 Pieces of Advice from a Medieval King
What advice would a medieval king give on friendship, learning, peace, and success? Explore 78 maxims attributed to King Aldfrith of Northumbria.
Did King Arthur Conquer Greenland?
A medieval legal text claimed that King Arthur ruled a vast northern empire stretching from Greenland to Russia. Discover how this unlikely story shaped merchants, explorers, and historians.