Right through the Middle Ages, these were the contending polarities of Welsh political life – what is and what could or should be. It was a story with a long trajectory.
Changing Minds and Shifting Realities: The Idea of Wales and the Welsh in the Middle Ages
June 23, 2018 by
Overlooked and Undervalued: Underwear in the Middle Ages
June 23, 2018 by
Despite being one of the most important garments, underwear is the part of medieval clothing that is often ignored and unexplored in historical fiction and costuming. What can we say about this element of fashion, which has been overlooked for far too long?
How the medieval past can be used for today’s challenges
June 20, 2018 by
Let us, in other words, return to the medieval era…
The Making of Flateyjarbók: What we are learning about Iceland’s National Treasure
June 17, 2018 by
Made in the last quarter of the 14th century, Flateyjarbók (Book of Flatey) is probably the finest manuscript that Iceland has ever produced.
Medieval Geopolitics: The Invention of the Idea of “Political Community”
June 17, 2018 by
How a distinctively post-feudal, later medieval understanding of “political community” evolved in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
10 Medieval Tips to Solve a Murder
June 12, 2018 by
Ten observations made by the Chinese physician Song Ci (1186–1249 AD) on whether or not a person was a victim of homicide.
Medieval Manuscripts: Henry VIII’s personal calendar
June 10, 2018 by
The Hours of Henry VIII reveals interesting details of its composition. The calendar is especially rich in images, embellished not only with the traditional pictures of the labors of the months and the signs of the zodiac, but also with vignettes, in the side and bottom margins, illustrating the main feasts cited with the months.
The Vasa: Gustav II Adolf’s Glorious and Doomed Warship
June 10, 2018 by
On the 10th of August 1628, the Vasa sank in Stockholm harbour, thus ending the career of the most powerful warship that Sweden had ever seen.
Book Review: Medieval Monsters: Terrors, Aliens, Wonders
June 8, 2018 by
Beyond its incredible, stunning pictures, Medieval Monsters: Terrors, Aliens, Wonders by Sherry C.M. Lindquist and Asa Simon Mittman, explores the medieval love of monsters in all their glory and complexity in a book that transcends its purpose as an accompaniment to an exhibit – it’s a book in which to lose yourself in your love of medieval manuscripts.
How well do you know Beowulf?
June 7, 2018 by
It is one of the most popular epic tales from the Middle Ages. If you have read Beowulf, can you remember what’s missing from these ten passages?
All roads lead to Rome: The rescue of Augustine’s library in the 5th century AD
June 5, 2018 by
How did Augustine’s writings take their first, crucial steps in a centuries-long journey? How did they succeed in defeating the odds?
Six Degrees of Chaucer: How Southwark Shaped The Canterbury Tales
June 4, 2018 by
Sebastian Sobecki has found a network of intriguing connections between Geoffrey Chaucer and some of the biggest influencers of the day, including John Gower, and Bishop William of Wykeham, chancellor of England.
Medieval Geopolitics: The Medieval “Fiscal Revolution”
June 3, 2018 by
So far in this series, we have talked about medieval “revolutions” in military power and judicial authority. A third great change in the late medieval era was in the control of money.
Medieval Instagram: Five accounts medievalists should follow
June 1, 2018 by
Did you know that Instagram is home to a lively and fast-growing community of medievalists too?
When the Atlantic Ocean had many islands: The mythical and miraculous places west of medieval Europe
June 1, 2018 by
Why medieval people did not accept that the vast space in the Atlantic Ocean between the Old World and the New could truly be an empty one.
How well do you know your Norse Mythology?
May 31, 2018 by
Test your knowledge of Norse gods and goddesses with these 15 questions
NEW! The Medieval Magazine, No. 111: HAGIOGRAPHY
May 23, 2018 by
In this issue, we look at hagiography, the medieval cult of saints, alchemy, visit Prague and visit del Escorial, Spain.
Medieval Geopolitics: The Medieval “Judicial Revolution”
May 22, 2018 by
During the early medieval era, judicial power and authority – the right and ability to adjudicate legal disputes and enforce the law – had hemorrhaged from the public authorities of the Carolingian empire into the hands first of great magnates and then lesser lords.
Sex Tips from Late Medieval France
May 22, 2018 by
In his book The Ship of Virtuous Ladies, Symphorien Champier offers sex and conception tips to keep everyone healthy. There are a lot of do nots!
Why did the Vikings attack?
May 21, 2018 by
For women, slaves, or in self-defence – what made the Vikings explode out of Denmark and Norway around the year 800?
Medieval House for Sale: The Hovel
May 21, 2018 by
This two-bedroom cottage is at least 500 years old and may have been a property mentioned in the Domesday Book from the eleventh-century.
New Medieval Books: People, Towns, Nations, and … Murder
May 18, 2018 by
Five books that might belong on your bookshelf…
The Mary Rose: A Visit to Henry VIII’s Flagship
May 18, 2018 by
If you find yourself in the English town of Portsmouth, Minjie Su suggests a visit to the Mary Rose – to see the remains of the famous 16th century ship.
Tattooed Vikings? A look at medieval body art
May 6, 2018 by
If you have ever watched Vikings or other TV shows or films that dwell on similar time periods and regions, chances are that you have seen a lot of characters heavily tattooed on face and body. Is it historically accurate?
NEW! The Medieval Magazine, No. 110: THE RISE OF THE MEDIEVAL CITY
May 6, 2018 by
In this issue, we focus on cities. From Barcelona, to Constantinople, to Bologna, we cover marriage, trade, slavery, and foundation stories. Take a trip with us around the world and learn about the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the medieval city.
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