Lost Papal Letter Casts Norman Conquest as Holy War Against ‘Followers of Satan’
A lost papal letter suggests Pope Alexander II backed William’s invasion because King Harold supported a rival pope.
Unpublished Tolkien Translation of a Medieval Text Brought to Light
A previously unpublished translation by J. R. R. Tolkien sheds new light on his extensive study of medieval English literature and language.
Medieval House Discovered in Germany
Archaeologists have discovered a 1,000-year-old medieval house in northwestern Germany, providing new evidence about the early settlement of Werther.
Medieval Records Reveal How Long Black Death Survivors Needed to Recover
Medieval records from an English village reveal that Black Death survivors typically needed three or four weeks before returning to work.
This Medieval Astrolabe Turns 1,000 Years Old
A medieval astrolabe made in Córdoba in 1026–27 marks its 1,000th anniversary at the National Museum of Scotland.
Rare Runestone Discovered in the Faroe Islands
A rare runestone found at a possible medieval chapel in the Faroe Islands may bear the words “Here lies” or “Here rests.”
Byzantine Shipwreck with Gold Treasures Discovered off the Croatian Coast
A Byzantine shipwreck off Croatia has revealed gold belt sets, imperial coins and a rare ring linked to the empire’s highest-ranking officials.
Early Medieval Norse Cross Returns to Isle of Man Chapel
A 10th- or 11th-century Norse cross has returned to the Royal Chapel of St John on the Isle of Man following conservation work.
Rare Medieval Hair-Styling Tool Found at Eilean Donan Castle
A rare 13th-century hair-styling tool found at Eilean Donan Castle offers new insights into fashion and daily life in medieval Scotland.
Possible Medieval Twins Found Buried in Roman Latrine at Ephesos
A new study examines the careful medieval burial of two premature infants, possibly twins, within an abandoned Roman latrine at Ephesos.
Vatican Launches Five-Year Restoration of Raphael’s Loggia
The Vatican Museums have launched a five-year project to restore Raphael’s Loggia, using laser technology to conserve 1,300 square metres of Renaissance paintings and stucco.
How Medieval Manuscripts Were Made: New Getty Exhibition
Explore how medieval manuscripts were made in a new Getty exhibition featuring works from across several cultures.
Medieval Stamp Found in Denmark Could Reveal Where Sutton Hoo Helmet Was Made
A medieval metalworking stamp found in Denmark may reveal where the Sutton Hoo helmet was made and reshape views of power in seventh-century Europe.
Rare Medieval English Coins Made to Protect Against Vikings Found in Denmark
Two rare medieval coins minted to seek divine protection against Viking raids have been found in Denmark, where Vikings once wore them as jewellery.
Caerphilly Castle Visitor Numbers Rise Following £8 Million Restoration
Visitor numbers at Caerphilly Castle have risen following an £8 million restoration, as Cadw continues conservation work at Wales’ largest castle.
Christian Migrants Helped Shape Pagan Medieval Vilnius, Study Finds
Isotope analysis of a medieval cemetery reveals how Christian migrants helped shape Vilnius while Lithuania remained officially pagan.
Medieval Wall Discovered Beneath Chester Castle
Archaeologists have discovered a nearly three-metre-high medieval wall beneath Chester Castle, once part of a fortified thirteenth-century bridge.
Lost Carolingian Text Written for Charlemagne Discovered
A newly identified Carolingian text written for Charlemagne offers insights into biblical interpretation, Islam and intellectual life at the emperor’s court.
Medieval Fresco Restored at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella
A fourteenth-century fresco in Florence’s Basilica of Santa Maria Novella has returned to public view after restoration, revealing new details of the medieval devotional image.
New Exhibition Explores the Medieval Mongol Empire
Explore the medieval Mongol Empire through 248 rare artefacts in a new exhibition at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, revealing the life and legacy of Genghis Khan.
Early Medieval City Discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a well-preserved early medieval city in the Dakhla Oasis, complete with a church, homes, Byzantine coins, and hundreds of Coptic and Greek documents.
Rare Medieval Book of Hours to Headline Manuscript Sale
A beautifully illuminated fifteenth-century Book of Hours created in Bruges will be one of the highlights of Freeman’s third annual Western Manuscripts and Miniatures sale, taking place on 9 July.
Germany Returns Medieval Manuscript to Poland
A medieval manuscript containing part of Gaude Mater Polonia, one of Poland’s oldest hymns, has been returned to Poland after being displaced during the Second World War.
Major Viking Age Settlement Unearthed in Denmark
A major Viking Age settlement discovered near Aarhus, Denmark, is revealing large-scale textile production, workshops, and links to medieval trade networks.