Five Game-Changers in Medieval English Castle-Building
Here are five changes in English castle design that had a big impact on history.
From Liberation to Loss: The Early Crusades to the Holy Land
Explore the first phase of the Crusades to the Holy Land, from the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 to the fall of Edessa and the failed Second Crusade.
Telling Uganda’s Medieval Stories
A new Fulbright project in Uganda is preserving traditional orature and connecting it to the Global Middle Ages, expanding the scope of medieval studies beyond Europe.
New Medieval Books: The Wilted Lily
Les Grandes Chroniques de France, one of the most important sources for French medieval history, was first compiled in the 13th century and continued until 1461. This book explores not only its value as a historical record but also its role in shaping the ideals and lessons intended for French kings.
Medieval Love Letters with Ad Putter and Myra Stokes
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Myra Stokes and Ad Putter about where we find love letters, and the way people wrote and sent them, along with a couple of spicy – and hilarious – examples.
Faith Tibble and the Crown of Thorns: Rethinking a Medieval Icon
Faith Tibble’s new book, The Crown of Thorns: Humble Gods and Humiliated Kings, challenges centuries of assumptions about one of Christianity’s most iconic symbols. Drawing on meticulous research and a storyteller’s touch, she invites readers to look again at the medieval art they thought they knew.
Twelve Medieval Types of Drunk, According to Oswald von Wolkenstein
Medieval poet Oswald von Wolkenstein knew his way around a wine jug—and the many personalities it could unleash. In one lively poem, he catalogued twelve all-too-recognisable types of drunk, from the swaggering braggart to the repentant sinner.
Medieval Thieves: How They Worked – and How to Outsmart Them
Discover the clever tricks used by medieval thieves—from sticky cakes for guard dogs to candle-carrying turtles—and the inventive methods used to catch them, as revealed in The Book of Charlatans.
The Tale of Bygone Years: Volodymyr Sviatoslavych and the Christianization of Rus′
The Tale of Bygone Years preserves one of the most detailed accounts of a ruler’s conversion in medieval Europe — the baptism of Volodymyr Sviatoslavych, ruler of Rus′. His path to Christianity, set against the backdrop of 10th-century royal conversions, reveals a complex interplay of politics, religion, and diplomacy.
Flying in the Middle Ages: Legends, Inventions, and Daredevil Attempts
Explore myths, inventions, and daring attempts at flight in the Middle Ages, from legendary tales to real-life gliders and kites.
Medieval Movies Coming Soon to a Cinema Near You
From gritty tales of vengeance to historical horror and epic legends, discover the most anticipated medieval films in development — including The Peasant, Rapture, and Robert Eggers’ Werwulf.
New Medieval Books: The Deeds of the Neapolitan Bishops
In the eighth and ninth centuries, Naples was an autonomous city-state navigating complex relationships with its neighbours. This book presents the original text and translation of a contemporary account that chronicles the city’s local history during this period.
The Viking Age – online course starts August 13
We have several online courses coming up, including The Viking Age. This six-week course starts on Wednesday, August 13th, with live sessions from 1:00 – 3:00 pm EST each week.
Medieval Rednecks: How Rustici Became the Butt of the Joke
From crude punchlines to the ‘medieval mullet,’ discover how peasants—known as rustici—became the butt of jokes in medieval Europe.
New Medieval Books: Henry III: Reform, Rebellion, Civil War, Settlement, 1258-1272
The second volume in the monumental biography of Henry III, it tells the story of how the English king faced growing discontent, leading to a rebellion that almost ended his long reign.
Marco Polo and his World with Sharon Kinoshita
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Sharon Kinoshita about why Marco travelled so far, what sort of detail he wanted to share with his readers, and what was going on in the world around him.
The Scotichronicon: A Medieval Chronicle of Scotland’s Myths, Murders, and Kings
Discover the Scotichronicon, a vivid 15th-century Scottish chronicle by Walter Bower, blending history, politics, myth, and monastic life during the reign of James II.
“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”: Revisiting Bernard of Chartres’ Metaphor and Its Hidden Legacy
A look at the medieval origins and deeper meaning behind the metaphor of standing on the shoulders of giants.
10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in July, which range from a new database about London to a look back at the works of Jinty Nelson.
New Medieval Books: The Warhorse in England
Horses played a vital role in medieval warfare, and this book draws on the governmental records of Kings Edward I and Edward II to reveal how these animals were raised, trained for combat, and managed during military campaigns.
50 Jobs in the Middle Ages
Explore 50 real jobs from the Middle Ages—illustrated in a rare 15th-century manuscript from Nuremberg, showing medieval workers at their trades.
New Medieval Books: Images of Thomas Becket in the Middle Ages and Beyond
When Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, he was instantly transformed into one of the most prominent figures in medieval Christianity. His image spread widely across Europe, appearing in manuscripts, sculptures, stained glass windows, and other forms of material culture. This book brings together 11 essays that explore how Becket was represented, remembered, and venerated through these visual and physical media.
Matthew Paris: Was This Medieval Chronicler a Reliable Source?
Discover how Matthew Paris shaped medieval history through his chronicles, blending observation with commentary. Was he a faithful recorder of events or a monk with a message to deliver?
New Medieval Books: Frederick Barbarossa
This biography chronicles the life of Frederick Barbarossa, one of the most influential figures of the 12th century. As Holy Roman Emperor, his reign was marked by a relentless struggle for power across the German and Italian realms, as well as a pivotal role in the Crusades.
