New Medieval Books: Empire in the Western Ocean
This book chronicles the rise of the Ming Dynasty and their creation of a formidable naval power that extended far beyond China’s shores, reaching deep into the Indian Ocean.
How Gender Shaped Crime and Punishment in the Medieval World
By Steve Tibble In the medieval world, crime was not just about survival or greed—it was deeply influenced by gender roles and social…
New Medieval Books: Muslims on the Volga in the Viking Age
This collection of 19 essays delves into the 10th-century journey of Ibn Fadlan to the Rus’ and Volga Bulgarians. The essays offer an in-depth analysis of his text, shedding light on how medieval Arab perspectives shaped their understanding of the Vikings and other northern peoples.
Henry V with Dan Jones – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 261
Last week, we looked at the story of Richard II and Henry IV, and the way these two cousins wielded the power of the English crown. This week on The Medieval Podcast, we round out the cycle that makes up the Hollow Crown by looking at Henry V, a man who many – including this week’s guest, Dan Jones – have called England’s greatest warrior king.
New Medieval Books: Monastic Women and Secular Economy in Later Medieval Europe, ca. 1200 to 1500
This book uncovers the economic influence of female monasteries in medieval society, revealing how they played a central role in shaping the economy.
The Medieval Gunpowder Revolution: 10 Moments that Changed Warfare
The invention of gunpowder and its use in weaponry revolutionised medieval warfare, marking one of the most dramatic shifts in military history. What…
New Medieval Books: Translating Faith
At the close of the Middle Ages, a community of Ethiopian pilgrims settled in Rome. This book explores the records maintained by these Ethiopian Christians, shedding light on their way of life and their interactions with the Roman Catholic Church in the sixteenth century.
Dive into Viking Life: A Self-Paced Mini-Course
Embark on a journey through the fascinating world of the Vikings with the Life in the Viking Age online course. Offered by Medievalists.net, this self-paced mini course introduces you to how Norse society was structured and how people lived. Also included is discussion of the social classes, gender, and the importance of family.
Which Translation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms Should I Read?
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, one of China’s greatest literary masterpieces, has fascinated readers for centuries with its epic tales of warfare, intrigue, and heroism. If you’re eager to dive into this 14th-century classic but don’t read Chinese, you might be wondering: Which English translation should you choose?
Laughing Kamala: A Medievalist’s Perspective
Kamala Harris’ laughter has stirred criticism that taps into centuries-old misogyny. This article links her detractors to medieval fears of humor’s power to challenge authority.
The Medieval Guide to Avoiding 15 Common Speaking Blunders
Struggling with speaking—whether in public or even with a friend? A medieval treatise offers timeless advice on what not to do.
10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in September, which tell us about topics including the dietary habits of Florentines and the rediscovery of an African empire.
The Eagle and the Hart with Helen Castor – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 260
Richard II came to the throne as a young child, only to lose it to his cousin Henry IV in 1399. But why did Henry take such drastic action? And what became of the teenage boy who stood up to a crowd of angry peasants and held his own? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Helen Castor about these rival cousins, the events that shaped them, and how an anointed king could lose his hollow crown.
A Medieval Cat’s Paw Print: How a Mischievous Feline Made its Mark on History
Imagine stumbling upon a centuries-old manuscript and discovering an unexpected visitor had left its mark – a cat’s paw, immortalised in ink. This quirky image, a medieval equivalent of your cat jumping on your keyboard, has captivated social media for over ten years.
Top 50 Masterpieces of Medieval Literature
Unlock the rich and diverse world of medieval literature with our list of 50 masterpieces. From epic tales of heroism to timeless romances and spiritual writings, these works from the Middle Ages have shaped cultures and influenced storytelling traditions for centuries.
The Queens Who Shaped Medieval Christianity: Gregory the Great’s Forgotten Allies
While Gregory’s influence is well known, the role of several powerful queens in promoting Catholic Christianity during his time is a fascinating but often overlooked aspect of this period.
Ten Medieval Megaprojects That Shaped the World
The Middle Ages weren’t just a time of knights and castles—they were also an era of awe-inspiring megaprojects that pushed the limits of engineering. From massive walls to entire cities built from scratch, these ten medieval feats of construction shaped the world we know today.
Charlemagne with Cullen Chandler – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 259
What’s so great about Charlemagne? We’re about to find out. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Cullen Chandler about the reign of Charlemagne, how he ruled such a massive empire, and how he still took the time to care about font.
When Did Jousting Become Obsolete? Bow & Blade, Episode 55
In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions about medieval warfare.
How Will the Middle Ages Be Studied in a Thousand Years?
In a thousand years, our approach to the Middle Ages may be vastly different from what it is today. As technology advances and society evolves, the methods, perspectives, and focus of historical research will inevitably shift. What will medieval studies look like in the year 3024?
William de Mandeville: The King’s Confidant and Cross-Channel Power Broker
William de Mandeville was more than just an ambitious noble; he was a trusted confidant, skilled diplomat, and key player in the turbulent court of Henry II. His rise to power through loyalty, military prowess, and strategic alliances shaped the cross-Channel politics of medieval England and beyond.
New Medieval Books: Radegund
The story of Radegund, a 6th-century princess who would find herself being married to the man who had killed her family. From high politics in the Merovingian Empire to the creation of a monastery, Radegund’s life is a very interesting tale.
What Medieval Kingdoms Really Called Themselves
Medieval kingdoms and empires often went by names very different from the ones we use today. These original names reveal how people of the time viewed their realms and the world around them.
New Medieval Books: Three Political Tales from Medieval Germany
Translations of three medieval German texts, two of which deal with knights while the third is about a fox. All of them were meant to offer political messages for their time, and perhaps for our time as well.