Two medieval shipwrecks discovered in Sweden
The remains of two medieval merchant vessels, known as cogs, were discovered over the summer in western Sweden during an archaeological excavation. New evidence reveals that the ships were built outside of Scandinavia in the mid-14th century.
Hidden inscriptions hint at mystery medieval woman’s identity
A series of secret drawings and writings possibly added by a mysterious female scribe have been uncovered in a manuscript over 1,200 years old.
Lost Medieval Chapel Sheds Light on Royal Burials at Westminster Abbey, study finds
New evidence, helping to form a 15th-century reconstruction of part of Westminster Abbey, demonstrates how a section of the building was once the focus for the royal family’s devotion to the cult of a disemboweled saint and likely contained gruesome images of his martyrdom.
Viking Age silver treasure discovered in Norway
“This is quite an exceptional find. Finding this big a treasure from the Viking Age hasn’t happened in Norway for a long time.”
Archaeologists uncover medieval farm in England
An archaeological dig in northern England is uncovering a high-status medieval farm that had close links to the Cistercian monastery. The finds have included jet rosary beads, pottery and glazed tiles.
Ukrainian security forces raid medieval monastery
The home of a monastery dating back to the 11th century was raided by Ukrainian security services yesterday. The monks inside were accused of supporting the Russian invasion of the country.
Unique Danish axe was a weapon for war, study finds
In the collections of the National Museum of Denmark sits a 13th-century axe with unusual features. A new study suggests that it was an attempt to create a versatile medieval weapon.
“I hold your faith, hold mine”: 14th-century ring could fetch £40,000 at auction
A medieval ring discovered by a metal detectorist in southwest England is set to go up for auction. It’s estimated that it will be sold for between £30,000-40,000.
Medieval Manuscript Exhibition comes for Christmas in Switzerland
If you are looking to see some medieval manuscripts this December, the place to go would be Basel, Switzerland. Dr. Jörn Günther Rare Books will be opening the doors to its gallery to exhibit some extremely rare examples of illumination and decoration from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Medieval physicians understood the ‘Placebo Effect’, study finds
Historians have often derided the medical cures found in medieval texts as not effective and being just “mere placebo.” However, a new study points out that the ‘Placebo Effect’, being a real thing, could provide relief to patients, even in the Middle Ages. Moreover, medieval physicians understood how to help their patients achieve these benefits.
Researchers to examine and digitise 15th-century English genealogical roll
Work has begun on examining and analysing a genealogical roll from the 15th century which has not been seen publicly for over 20 years.
34,000 new digital images of medieval items go online
Seven institutions have come together to create a database of 34,000 new images of medieval manuscripts, books and coins. This includes over 600 manuscripts that are now online.
8th-century medical text lost for centuries has been rediscovered
Jianshangren’s Secret Prescription, a text of Chinese Traditional Medicine that was brought to Japan in the 8th century, has long been believed to be lost. However, the text has now been published after being passed down through a family for 52 generations.
Les Enluminures celebrates 10 years in New York with new exhibition
Les Enluminures, one of the major private dealers in medieval manuscripts, has opened a new exhibition – Timeless Treasures: 10 Manuscripts to Celebrate 10 Years in New York.
New Zealand was first settled in the 13th century, study finds
The Māori came and settled in New Zealand, a land which they called Aotearoa, in the mid-13th century, according to new archaeological research.
Medieval Gold Coin discovered in Canada
A gold coin dating back to the 15th century has been discovered on Newfoundland’s south coast. It is the oldest-known English coin found in an archaeological context in Canada.
What was the population of medieval South Asia? New study gives estimates
The population of South Asia was larger than previously thought during the Middle Ages. A new study estimates that around the year 640, this region’s population was about 58 million, and that by the year 1600 it had risen to 145 million people.
Beautiful medieval tiles discovered in Poland
Archaeologists working in eastern Poland have unearthed several hundred fragments of tiles that once decorated the walls and floor of a late-medieval stronghold.
Madagascar’s human expansion 1,000 years ago linked to loss of large animals
A human genetic study links the first major expansion of humans on the island with the loss of large vertebrates.
15th-century Chinese painting expected to fetch up to $2.6 million at auction
A work by one of the most famous painters of the Ming Dynasty will go up for auction next month. ‘A Tranquil Place’, by Shen Zhou (1427–1509) is expected to sell for between $1.5 and $2.6 million US.
Herring trade began in the Viking age, study finds
Herring bones from trading places in the Baltic Sea show that extensive trade was established already in the Viking Age. Historians previously believed extensive herring trade started around 1200.
Viking beadmakers’ secrets revealed in new study
The Viking Age bead makers were more advanced than previously believed. New research shows that craftsmen in Denmark around the year 700 used sophisticated and sustainable methods when they gave old Roman glass mosaics new life as glass beads.
Medieval shipwreck’s cargo revealed by researchers
Around the year 1440, a ship was sailing towards Belgium when it sank off the coast of Sweden. Researchers have now been able to determine its cargo – which included copper, oak timber, quicklime, tar, and bricks and roof tiles – offering insights into trade in northern Europe during the late Middle Ages.
£3 million in funding to restore Greyfriars in Lincoln
Lincoln’s Greyfriars, a Franciscan friary built in the 13th century, will reopen to visitors in 2025. This news comes after an announcement that the site is receiving over £3 million in funding to restore and re-develop the building.