What was the role of the Blacksmith in medieval society?
It must be asked ‘what was there in the life of a blacksmith aside form hammering out swords for lords?’ What sort of world did he inhabit and what were the rules he had to play by?
Machiavelli meets ‘The Prince’
On 24th June 1502, the Florentine politician and diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli came face to face with Cesare Borgia.
Pola of Rome: The Story of a Woman Jewish Scribe
Pola, who flourished in Rome at the turn of the fourteenth century, tells us three times, in three separate manuscripts, that she is the “daughter of R. Abraham the scribe.”
The Middle Ages as seen through National Geographic
Our 10 favourite videos on the Middle Ages created by National Geographic.
New Medieval Books: From the 8th to the 21st century
Four books and one special issue of a magazine for you to check out! From Cambridge to India, and books on crusades, Vikings and medieval inter-religious dialogue.
Vikings: The Salty Dogs of the Northern Seas?
Can there be such a thing as ‘Viking Salt’? Beth Rogers, in the first post for her new column on Medieval Food, looks for the answers behind this unusual product and how the Vikings are being associated with healthy eating.
Fiore dei Liberi: Master of the Sword
Have you ever wondered how medieval people really fought with swords?
How Much Do You Know About J.R.R. Tolkien’s Invented Languages?
Epic adventures are only part of the appeal of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth books. What really set Tolkien apart from other fantasy writers was his skill at crafting entire worlds—and at showing how important language is to history and identity. How much do you know about Tolkien’s linguistic world?
The City of God on Earth: Augustine at Charlemagne’s Court
While the notion of the ‘dark’ Middle Ages is – thankfully – no longer fashionable, the Carolingian Renaissance, its reform efforts, educational system, book production, continue to inspire. It will come as no surprise that Augustine was, once again, at the center of this intellectual riches.
A Treasure Hoard of Medieval Manuscripts – A look into the exhibition ‘Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War’
The highly anticipated Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War exhibition has turned the British Library into a treasure hoard.
Medieval Geopolitics: The Institution of the Crusade
How did the crusades emerge as an institution in the medieval world?
Worlds of Arthur: Reflections on the fictional world of post-Roman Britain
I would suggest that post-Roman Britain is one of those periods in which there is a particular intimacy to the relationship between history and historical fiction.
Medieval Youtube: Anglo-Saxon Swords to Medieval Michigan
Our roundup of videos posted this last month on Youtube that medievalists will enjoy!
Viking Warrior Women?
Medieval texts tell of Viking warrior women taking part in battles, but are these stories describing reality or pure fiction? What can archaeology tell us about women in the Viking Age?
New Medieval Books: From Ireland to China
Five new books to add to your medieval bookshelf…
The Vigilante Empire: The Pinnacle of Saffarid Power and the Dynasty’s Fall from Grace
As Yaqub ibn Layth gained power and followers, his ambitions grew, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the Abbasid Caliphate.
Journey Around the World with the Universal Atlas of Fernão Vaz Dourado
Explore the beautiful maps made by Fernão Vaz Dourado for his 1571 atlas – taking us from the coasts of the Americas to Indonesia islands visited by Magellan.
Virgin Sacrifice in the 12th century: The Hortus Deliciarum
If you put a group of bookish virgins up against a monster bent on devouring the world, what do you get? Something approximating salvation, right?
How to create your own medieval costume
Here are some tips to create your own thrifty costume! With these suggestions you’ll have your own “medieval” wardrobe!
The Coppersmith Vigilante: The Rise of the Saffarids
During the ninth century a simple craftsmen would take up arms, hoping to put an end to the warfare and violence plaguing his corner of the world. In the first part of the story of Saffarid Dynasty, Adam Ali tells the story of coppersmith who would form an empire and challenge the rulers of Baghdad.
The Medieval Magazine, Issue 117
Our spooktacular Halloween issue is out!
New Medieval Books: From Jousting to Mathematics
Four thick books, one thin, but all of them with offering a look into the Middle Ages.
A Murder, a Siege, and Too Many Successors: How Flanders descended into Civil War in 1127
Read the Introduction to Medieval Warfare magazine’s Issue VII:5 – The murder of Charles the Good.
The Medieval Art of Riding: King Duarte’s Advice on Horsemanship
Not only practical for those who wish to hone their equestrian skills, they also give us a glimpse into Duarte’s mind and the medieval art of riding at large.
