14 Reasons Why Florence is Great (in 1457)
Giovanni Rucellai, a 15th century merchant, tells us what was so great about Florence during his time.
Which Famous Viking Are You?
Do you sail the Sea of Worms and trade with the Skraelings? Perhaps you’re in service to the Romans-Who-Speak-Greek in Miklagaard.
Richard II: One of England’s forgotten kings
I thought I’d take five minutes today to talk a little bit about one of England’s forgotten kings.
The Perils of Polygamy in 15th century Cairo
Under medieval Islamic law, a man could marry up to four women. However, if accounts from 15th century Egypt are indicative, it would be rare for such an arrangement to work out for all parties.
The Bible in the Middle Ages
Twenty images from medieval manuscripts showing famous scenes from the Bible
Places to See: Sainte Chapelle
Travelling to Paris ? Add this beautiful thirteenth century Capetian chapel to your MUST-SEE list for your next visit!
This Week in Medieval Manuscript Images
Nearly 40 medieval manuscript images from Twitter to share with you this week, including rabbits cooking people, a bat smiling, and a man smoking a pipe.
Ten Medieval Saints You May Not Have Heard of
Sometimes overshadowed, sometimes eccentric, and perhaps a little unbelievable – here are ten medieval saints you should know more about.
Paranormal Activity in Medieval England: The Ghosts of Byland Abbey
And while he was going back along the road heard a terrifying voice yelling far behind him, as if it were on a mountain. A moment later it yelled again but this time nearer. A third time he heard the voice shouting at the crossroads ahead of him, and then he saw a pale horse.
Which Historical Figure Are You?
Find out how good you would be as a world ruler. Or some random significant person.
Memento Mori: Medieval Images of Death
In honour of All Hallows’ Eve, let’s take five minutes to look at how death was expressed in art in the late Middle Ages.
Edward II and his Children
Kathryn Warner, author of Edward II: The Unconventional King, takes a look at the English king’s three sons and two daughters.
This Week in Medieval Manuscript Images
Over 40 medieval manuscript images found on Twitter this week – including some to inspire you to get spooky for Halloween, try a maze, or build Noah’s Ark!
Which Assassin’s Creed Character Are You?
Assassin’s Creed and its sequels have created some memorable characters. Which assassin would you be?
Top 10 Most Famous Swords of the Middle Ages
Our list of the top 10 swords – real and fictional – from the Middle Ages
Instructions for a Medieval Parish Priest
Myrc was a clergyman writing in England in the early fifteenth century, and his long poem was created to help priests who were not particularly learned remember all the most important parts of their work.
Which Woman Would You Be in King Arthur’s Court?
The legendary days of King Arthur were full of love and betrayal, loyalty and ambition, violence and intrigue. Which woman would you have been in Arthurian times? Take the test and find out!
Which Man Would You Be in King Arthur’s Court?
The legendary days of King Arthur were full of love and betrayal, loyalty and ambition, violence and intrigue. Which man would you have been in Arthurian times? Take the test and find out!
The Names of Criminals in Medieval England
Agnes Daythef, Henry Golichtly, Godwin Haluedeuel and Walter Litlegod – how did they get such names?
The drawings that Michelangelo did not want you to see
There are about 600 drawings by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo that have survived to the present day – many of them stunningly beautiful – but he would probably have been ‘absolutely horrified’ that the general public can now see them.
Does a Reformation End?: Rethinking Religious Simulation in Sixteenth-Century Italy
A paper examining the Italian Reformation.
This Week in Medieval Manuscript Images
From pigs on crutches to lions at your feet, some of the best images from medieval manuscripts posted on Twitter in the last week.
The Norman Conquest of England: The Alternative Histories
We take a look at two alternative histories of the Norman Conquest – Waces’s Roman de Rou and the Vita Haroldi
Being a Medieval Surgeon: From Dog Bites to Brain Surgery
Henri de Mondeville (c. 1260 – 1316) was the surgeon to two kings of France – Philip IV and Louis X. In 1312 he wrote Cyrurgia (Surgery), one of the first works of its kind from the Middle Ages.
Who is Your Medieval Alter Ego?
Who would you have been if you had lived in the medieval era? Take the test and find out!