New Medieval Books: The North Caucasian Kingdom of Alania, 850–1240
The medieval world saw many kingdoms and states rise to dominate their regions, only to collapse and fade from memory. This book tells the story of one such realm—Alania—and traces its nearly 400 years of history.
The Holy Grail of Arthurian Manuscripts is for auction at Christie’s
One of the most important surviving manuscripts of Arthurian literature is set to go under the hammer at Christie’s this July, carrying an estimated value of up to £2 million. Christopher Berard explores the medieval romances that gave shape to the stories of King Arthur, Lancelot, Merlin, and the Holy Grail.
Medieval Movie Review: The Death of Robin Hood
Danièle Cybulskie reviews The Death of Robin Hood, the latest medieval movie, and finds a thoughtful film that draws deeply on medieval storytelling despite its historical liberties.
The Bell Tower as Urban Infrastructure: How Medieval Europe Built Its First Communication Network
How did medieval cities keep thousands of people working to the same schedule before watches and smartphones? Ali Mujtuba Zaidi explains how bell towers became medieval Europe’s first communication network.
New Medieval Books: Constructing the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles
Few texts are as important to our understanding of early medieval England as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This book investigates how the Chronicle came into being and how generations of scribes and scholars sustained the project for over 200 years.
13 Magic Tricks from the Middle Ages
Discover 13 magic tricks from the Middle Ages, from invisible ink and disappearing coins to floating eggs and burning mirrors, based on a medieval text.
New Medieval Books: Depicting the Holy War
How did Europeans view the crusades during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries? According to this book, the answer is literally painted on the walls. It examines five sets of murals from the period, revealing how medieval people chose to depict, remember, and interpret the crusades.
When the King of France Nearly Burned Alive
What was meant to be a night of celebration at the French royal court ended in flames, death, and scandal. The infamous Bal…
Tournaments in the Middle Ages: The Ultimate Medieval Spectacle
From thrilling jousts to chaotic mêlées, medieval tournaments were among the most exciting spectacles of the Middle Ages. Learn how knights competed for glory, honour, and fame.
Online Course: Writing Medieval Fiction Workshop
Starting Friday, June 26th, this 5-part workshop helps aspiring historical fiction writers with an interest in the medieval period hone their craft, balance historicity with story, and find publishing avenues for their work.
More Numerous Than the Grains of Sand: How Byzantium Supported the First Crusade
Tens of thousands of crusaders crossed Byzantine territory on their way to Jerusalem. Marek Meško reveals how Byzantine logistics and supply networks helped make the First Crusade possible.
The Myth of Charlemagne’s Decline
Did old age slow Charlemagne down? David Bachrach examines the emperor’s final years and argues that Charlemagne remained an active and effective ruler until his death in 814.
Souillard: The Best Dog of the Middle Ages
Discover the story of Souillard, the legendary hunting dog of King Louis XI, whose fame inspired a rare medieval poem and helped shape the mythology of France’s royal hunting traditions.
78 Pieces of Advice from a Medieval King
What advice would a medieval king give on friendship, learning, peace, and success? Explore 78 maxims attributed to King Aldfrith of Northumbria.
Did King Arthur Conquer Greenland?
A medieval legal text claimed that King Arthur ruled a vast northern empire stretching from Greenland to Russia. Discover how this unlikely story shaped merchants, explorers, and historians.
Vikings Sack Lindisfarne! — Again?
Did Norway’s Viking-themed World Cup photo shoot cross a line? Richard Utz examines the debate and the enduring legacy of Viking imagery in modern culture.
How People Sent Messages in the Middle Ages
Discover how people sent messages in the Middle Ages, from trusted messengers and written letters to seals, scribes, and carrier pigeons.
The Ladder to Heaven: Understanding a Medieval Masterpiece
What do a ladder, a group of monks, and a host of angels and demons reveal about medieval spirituality? Alice Isabella Sullivan explains the icon of The Ladder of Divine Ascent, one of the most influential images of the Byzantine Middle Ages.
Offa the Great: The Mercian King Who Reshaped England
Offa was one of the most powerful rulers of early medieval England, transforming Mercia into the dominant kingdom south of the Humber. In this article, Rory Naismith examines his reign, from the construction of Offa’s Dyke to the remarkable coinage and political ambitions that reshaped the English landscape.
New Medieval Books: Saint Benedict, Montecassino, and the Crisis of Ninth-Century Southern Lombards in Early Medieval Cassinese Memory
Southern Italy in the ninth century was beset by warfare, political rivalry, and frequent Muslim raids. The monks of Montecassino Abbey witnessed these turbulent times and left behind a valuable account, translated here.
Johana’s Flight: Domestic Violence, Madness and Family Conflict in Medieval Perpignan
In 1450, Johana Descamps fled an abusive marriage in Perpignan. Her ordeal led to a legal battle that reveals medieval attitudes toward domestic violence, mental illness, and family conflict.
15 Medieval Warrior Women Who Led Armies and Defended Kingdoms
Meet 15 medieval warrior women who led armies, defended kingdoms, and resisted invaders during the Middle Ages, from England and France to Persia, China, and Japan.
From Sin to Capitalism: Jacques Le Goff on Usury in the Middle Ages
Nearly forty years after its publication, Jacques Le Goff’s Your Money or Your Life remains a key work on medieval religion, usury, and the origins of capitalism.
10 Toxic Friends According to a Medieval Writer
Discover 10 types of toxic friends described by the medieval writer Boncompagno da Signa, from fair-weather companions to opportunists and false friends.