How Well Do You Know The Eighth Century?
From Charlemagne to the Abbasids – ten questions on people and events from the eighth century.
How Well Do You Know the TV series Vikings?
Are you as big of a fan of Vikings as you think you are? Find out now!
Medieval Blacksmiths: The Men Behind the Metal
Medieval blacksmiths were loved, hated, thought to have magical healing powers, and able to fend off the devil. Here’s a quick look at the men behind the metal.
This Week in Medieval Manuscript Images
From Dragon Hats to Forced Tooth Extraction – the medieval manuscript images we loved this week!
Magna Carta: The Road to Runnymede
A look at the creation of the British Library’s Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy exhibition.
Ten Thoughts on Game of Thrones: The Wars to Come
Some semi-random observations on Season 5 Episode 1: The Wars to Come
Review of Wolf Hall, Episode 2: Entirely Beloved
I will try to unravel some of the complexities of the relationships in the court of Henry VIII, which are shown on Wolf Hall without much effort to explain. While such a sophisticated script yields rich rewards, it assumes a certain working knowledge of 16th century power players.
Beef and Pork in the Middle Ages
Learn 10 things about the history of beef and pork in the Middle Ages
Books of Art: 20 Medieval and Renaissance Women Reading
Here are 20 works of art of women and their books
How Long Would You Survive In Game of Thrones?
Ever imagine yourself in Westeros or Essos? Find out your chances here!
What is Your Favourite Scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail?
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, here are some of the best scenes from the film. Vote for the one that is your favourite!
Five Great Ladies Who Refused to Be Quiet
In the Middle Ages, the ideal woman was meant to be either a helpmeet in marriage, or a cloistered nun, obedience being paramount in both roles. Human nature being what it is, however, not every woman found it easy to fill one of those narrow roles in society. Although my list could be much, much longer, here are five great women who refused to sit down and be quiet.
Can You Label A Game Of Thrones Map?
Think you know all there is of Westerns and Essos? Find out here!
A Broken Book of Hours – Saving a Medieval Manuscript
In 2011 a medieval manuscript was broken apart – we take a look at the project which hopes to find all the pages and restore it.
10 Free Ancient and Medieval History Online Courses (Spring 2015)
Interested in learning about ancient or medieval history?
This Week in Medieval Manuscript Images
Medieval images of Easter, Good Friday, Passover and more
Review of Wolf Hall, Episode 1: Three Card Trick
Tudor mystery author Nancy Bilyeau explains the intricate plot of the premiere episode of Masterpiece Theater’s ‘Wolf Hall,’ about Thomas Cromwell, the chief minister of Henry VIII, whom some decry as an evil genius and others praise as the leader of the English Reformation.
Which VIKINGS Character Are You?
Travel back to the time of shieldmaidens and Norse mythology to find out what role you’d play!
Teenage Rebellion in the Middle Ages: How Salimbene de Adam became a Franciscan
It is a popular story – the teenage son defying his parents and doing something very rebellious. It could be using drugs, getting a tattoo, or falling into with the wrong type of people. Back in the thirteenth-century, the rebellious son might become a Franciscan!
The Medieval Versions of Viagra
Over a thousand years before Viagra was invented, medieval men were looking for ways to treat erectile dysfunction. We take a look at the prescriptions offered in one of the most popular medical textbooks from the Middle Ages.
The Crucifixion of Jesus in Medieval Art
Take a look at these fifteenth examples of how the Crucifixion of Jesus was depicted by medieval artists between the 3rd and 15th centuries.
New Books on the Middle Ages
From castles to healthcare, and maps to poetry – six new books on the Middle Ages.
King Edmund Ironside
It was the early eleventh century and England was being overrun by Vikings. Parts of the country were in the hands of the Danes and they were trying to acquire more…
Microhistory and the Big Picture
Microhistory draws us in with stories of compelling people, and teaches us more about history along the way. Done well, it can be the best of both worlds.