The Nine Worthies: Who Were the Greatest Knights of the Middle Ages?
The Nine Worthies brought together King Arthur, Charlemagne, Alexander the Great and other legendary figures as medieval models of chivalry.
Norse Book Club: The Saga of Burnt Njal
A new online course from Irina-Maria Manea offers a deep dive into Njal’s Saga. This six-week course begins October 6th, with live sessions each Tuesday from 4:00 to 5:30 pm Eastern U.S. time.
New Medieval Books: The Maghazi of Sayyiduna Muhammad
This biography of the Prophet Muhammad, dating from the mid-eighth century, was long thought to be mostly lost. However, in 2021, a manuscript containing about two-thirds of the work was discovered, making possible the publication of this new edition and English translation.
20 Pieces of Medieval Wisdom to Live By
Discover 20 pieces of medieval wisdom from ninth-century scholar al-Rayḥānī, offering timeless advice on friendship, ambition, learning and life.
The Earliest Use of the F-word
Discover the earliest known use of the F-word, found in a medieval English court record from 1310, and other early examples of the notorious word.
The Broigne: What Armour Do You See in the Bayeux Tapestry?
A new look at the armour of the Bayeux Tapestry explores the medieval broigne, its construction, archaeological evidence and role in Norman warfare.
No Wizard Can Defeat Christ: Magic and Christianity in the Roman Empire
Explore how Christianity confronted magic in the late Roman Empire, from Constantine’s laws against sorcery to Augustine’s ideas about superstition.
The Battle of Campaldino (1289)
Florence and its allies faced the forces of Arezzo in one of the most important battles of medieval Tuscany. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Campaldino and the fighting that brought Dante Alighieri onto the battlefield.
The Art of the Empire of Nicaea, with Naomi Pitamber
A conversation with Naomi Pitamber about the art and architecture of the empire of Nicaea (Nikaia), the Roman state that emerged in Asia Minor after the disaster of 1204.
Visiting Marc Bloch at the Panthéon: Dilexit Veritatem
Richard Utz visits Marc Bloch’s memorial at the Panthéon in Paris and reflects on the medieval historian’s legacy as a scholar, soldier and Resistance fighter.
New Medieval Books: A Shapeshifter in Love
This book invites you to compare two stories about shapeshifting. The first is the 12th-century tale Yonec, while the second is The Beauty and the Beast, which was written in the 18th century.
Hot Springs and Thermalism in the Middle Ages
Explore how people in the Middle Ages used hot springs for healing and relaxation, giving rise to medical treatments and medieval spa tourism.
Was the Comital Office in the Carolingian and Ottonian Empires Hereditary?
Historians have long argued that the comital office became hereditary under the Carolingians and Ottonians. David Bachrach examines the medieval evidence and challenges that assumption.
Astrology, Omens, and Power in Byzantium
How astrology, omens, and prophecy influenced imperial power, political decisions, and religious belief in Byzantium.
How Medieval People Used Magic in Everyday Life
Discover how medieval people used magic in everyday life, from healing charms and protective amulets to divination, astrology and finding lost objects.
Book Review: Castles: A Fortified History of the World
What can castles tell us about the people who built them and the societies they sought to defend? Nicholas Morton reviews Dan Jones’…
How Fatimid Cairo Shaped Norman Sicily
Discover how the architecture of Fatimid Cairo influenced the churches, palaces and artistic culture of Norman Sicily during the Middle Ages.
When Medieval Priests Went to Court: Three Disputes from the 10th Century
Tithes, parish boundaries and new chapels could spark conflict between medieval priests. Explore three disputes from the 10th century and how they were resolved.
How to Make Medieval Soap: A 14th-Century Recipe You Can Try
Explore a 14th-century English recipe for medieval soap, made with sheep tallow, oak ashes and other ingredients, and discover how the process worked.
New Medieval Books: A Catalog of Benevolent Items
In 16th-century China, a vast encyclopedia brought together knowledge about medicine and the natural world. This book gives you a taste of this fascinating work and its remarkable range of subjects, from soybeans and dragons to poisons and ice.
What to Expect at the British Museum’s Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition
Get an inside look at the British Museum’s Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, including how the famous medieval embroidery is displayed, what you’ll see and what to expect.
The Book of Hy-Brasil: A “Magical” Manuscript’s Journey from Baghdad to Ireland
Trace the Book of Hy-Brasil from medieval Baghdad to Ireland and discover how a medical manuscript became the subject of an otherworldly legend.
New Medieval Books: The Fifth Crusade
The Fifth Crusade is often overlooked, even by those who study the Crusades. This book shows why its story deserves greater attention, offering valuable insights into the politics and warfare of the medieval Near East.
What the Bayeux Tapestry Really Tells Us About Medieval Warfare
The Bayeux Tapestry offers a vivid picture of medieval warfare, but how reliable is it? John France examines what it reveals about Hastings, weapons, armour and cavalry.