The Combat of the Thirty: Chivalry and Violence in the Hundred Years’ War
Discover how the Combat of the Thirty became a celebrated yet violent expression of medieval chivalry during the Hundred Years’ War.
New Medieval Books: Game On!
When most people think of games and sports in the Middle Ages, chess and jousting probably come to mind. This book, and the exhibition on which it is based, reveal that medieval people enjoyed a much wider range of activities, including Snakes and Ladders.
New Medieval Books: Great Kingdoms of Africa
The medieval era features prominently in this edited volume, which examines several of the most important states to emerge in pre-modern Africa. Its nine studies span regions across the continent.
William and Alice: The Most Popular Names in Medieval England
Discover the most popular names in medieval England, from William and Alice to Hugh and Cecilia, and learn about their origins and meanings.
How the Normans Fought the Byzantine Empire
Explore nearly two centuries of warfare between the Normans and the Byzantine Empire, from southern Italy to the Balkans.
The Letters of Heloise: Love, Learning, and Life as a Medieval Woman
The letters of Heloise reveal her enduring love for Abelard, remarkable learning, religious struggles, and experiences as a medieval woman.
New Medieval Books: People of the Image: Jews and Art
Histories of medieval art usually focus on works made by and for Christians. This book instead explores art created by and for Jewish communities, revealing new perspectives on how people understood and experienced the medieval world.
Online Course: En Garde! Fencing in Late Medieval and Early Modern England
This six-week course begins Friday, July 24th, with live sessions from 2:00-3:30 pm Eastern Time (Toronto/New York).
The Fifth Crusade: 5 Fascinating Facts from the Forgotten Campaign
Discover five fascinating facts about the Fifth Crusade, from the siege of Damietta and military innovations to the Nile’s decisive role in its failure.
15 Legendary Medieval Places People Believed Were Real
Explore 15 legendary places that shaped medieval maps, literature and beliefs about the distant and unknown parts of the world.
The Battle of Formigny (1450)
As the Hundred Years’ War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.
The Viking Sieges of Medieval Paris
Why were the Vikings able to besiege Paris twice? Danielle Turner explores the political divisions, military strategy, and decisions that shaped these famous ninth-century attacks.
Heresy and Orthodoxy in the Byzantine Empire
Discover how the Byzantine Empire defined orthodoxy, confronted heresy, and used councils, theology, and imperial power to defend Christian unity.
Online Course: Relics in Antiquity and the Middle Ages
Relics in Antiquity and the Middle Ages is a six-week course starting on July 23rd, with live sessions on Thursdays from 1:00–2:30 pm Eastern Time (Toronto/New York).
New Medieval Books: Medieval Twitter
For about 17 years, Twitter served as an important place for conversation and debate in the online world. This book examines how the medievalist community used the platform to exchange ideas, build connections, and engage in everything from friendly discussions to heated disputes.
The Rules of a Medieval Tournament
What rules did knights follow at a medieval tournament? Explore the 1478 Bamberg regulations covering weapons, noble status, squires, clothing, and more.
How Medieval Sailors Measured Time and Distance at Sea
Learn how medieval mariners measured time and distance at sea using lead lines, tides, lunar calculations, and memorised sailing directions.
Medieval Pilgrimages: Tourism, Shipwrecks and Robbers
Why did people go on medieval pilgrimages? Explore the dangerous journeys to Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela, from storms at sea to highway robbers.
The Medieval Mystery Behind the Pied Piper
Did the Pied Piper legend begin with a real medieval tragedy? Explore the earliest accounts from Hamelin and the theories behind the mysterious disappearance of 130 children.
The Emperor as God’s Representative: Political Theology in the Byzantine Empire
Discover how Byzantine emperors ruled as God’s representatives, shaping politics, religion, and imperial authority through the empire’s unique political theology.
10 Medieval Inventions That Shaped the Modern World
The Middle Ages were an age of innovation. Discover ten medieval inventions that transformed everyday life and helped shape the modern world.
Merlin’s Prophecies: How Medieval People Believed He Predicted England’s Future
How did Merlin become the Middle Ages’ greatest prophet? Learn about the origins, meaning, and influence of Merlin’s famous prophecies.
Frederick II and Islam: Separating Myth from Reality
Explore the complex relationship between Frederick II and Islam, revealing how politics, science, and diplomacy shaped one of the medieval world’s most misunderstood rulers.
Why Are the Middle Ages Called the Dark Ages?
Why are the Middle Ages called the Dark Ages? Discover where the term came from, why it became popular, and why most historians avoid using it today.