Is it better to be right or left-handed? The view from the 9th century
Was it really bad to be left-handed in the Middle Ages? Or was it better than being right-handed? The 9th century writer of all things unusual, al-Jahiz, weighs in.
Imprisonment, Execution and Escape: Medieval History and the National Curriculum
The final talk in Sesson #1041, Engaging the Public with the Medieval World, looked at what English children are being taught in school. How much medieval history is in the new programme that was released in September 2014? Megan Gooch, Curator at the Historic Royal Palaces breaks down the English system for us in her paper, ‘Imprisonment, Execution, and Escape: Medieval History and the National Curriculum’.
How Christianity came to Europe
During the Middle Ages nearly all the lands of Europe converted to Christianity. In this short guide, we take a look at how various lands adopted Christianity, including by means of missionary efforts, politics and warfare.
Minecraft and the Middle Ages
It is one of the most popular video games ever created. Moreover, educators are finding ways to use Minecraft as a teaching tool, and one that could be ideal for learning about the Middle Ages.
Can You Match The Outfit To The Historical Era?
See how well you know fashion history!
History as Told Through Emojis
Can You Guess The Historical Event By The Emojis?
Miracles from Medieval Iceland
The first saint from Iceland was Thorlak Thorhallsson. The saga of his life reveals dozens of the miracles that were attributed to him after his death. Here are ten of these miracles, which reveal much about religion and daily life in medieval Iceland.
Which Ancient Warrior Are You?
Are you a Knight, a Ninja, perhaps even a Samurai? Take this quiz and find out!
Avalanches in the Middle Ages
One of the dangers a medieval traveller might face when crossing through mountainous terrain is the threat of avalanches.
A Medievalist at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum
Danielle Trynoski reviews the permanent exhibition at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
What Medieval Profession Would You Have?
Jobs have changed over the years. What job would you have had in the Middle Ages?
Is it Better to Die in Battle or to Flee? A Medieval View
How far should a warrior in battle? It has been a question that every soldier has probably thought about, and many have had to face. Even in the Middle Ages this was a question that was debated.
Top 10 Medieval Assassinations
A look at ten men who were assassinated in the Middle Ages.
Exhibit: Magna Carta Through the Ages at the Society of Antiquaries of London
If you’re passing through London and want something to do that is very quick, free, and historical, check out this great little Magna Carta exhibit at Burlington House hosted by the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Was this Castle built in the Middle Ages?
Here are ten castles from around Europe. Which ones were built in medieval times, and which ones were built in more modern times?
The Medieval Art of Medicine: A Poem
What was it like to be a physician in the Middle Ages? A poem by a 14th-century physician sheds a little light on the challenges of practicing medicine in his own time.
10 Fun Fashion Facts from the Middle Ages
Here are ten fascinating fashion facts for your enjoyment (I’ve saved my favourites for last).
The Laws about Weddings in Viking-Age Gotland
An important source about daily-life in Viking-Age Scandinavia is Guta Lag, a set of laws from the Swedish island of Gotland. This includes details on how weddings were to be conducted.
How Well Do You Know A Song Of Ice And Fire?
Think you know Westeros and Essos? Find out here!
Which Roman or Byzantine Emperor Are You?
Ever wonder which Roman Ruler you are most like? Find out here!
5 More (Bloody and Gruesome!) Medieval Stories that Would Make Great TV Series
PK called me up last week and we talked about what we thought would make cool medieval-themed TV shows. Naturally, we had different ideas. I liked PK’s picks, but felt that there were other shows that should get to see the light of day so I decided to come up with my 5 contenders.
What Crime Did You Commit in Your Past Life?
Were you bad to the bone? Take the quiz and find out!
Writing about the Middle Ages – what works, what doesn’t
I’ve had ones that have done really well, while others have failed to get even a small audience. Here are examples of what has worked, and what did not work.
Magna Carta Conference Offers New Insights Into The 800-year-old Document
Magna Carta just celebrated its 800th birthday this past Monday. In honour of this incredible milestone, King’s College London, and the Magna Carta Project, hosted a 3 day conference dedicated to this historic document.
Medieval Beekeeping
All about bees and beekeeping from the 10th century.