How the Black Death reached Europe – new research on the pandemic’s spread
“When, how, and why did the Black Death reach Europe?” These are the questions asked by Hannah Barker. In a new article, the historian finds that the long-believed story of how this great medieval plague reached Europe is likely untrue, and that the story of the pandemic’s spread has to deal with grain and trade.
Overestimating the effects of the Justinianic Plague
Researchers examining the Justinianic Plague have discovered that late 19th century misconceptions about the outbreaks of pandemic led to an ingrained belief that they inherently cause widespread death and change the course of history.
New book examines early medieval hunting
In the Manner of the Franks: Hunting, Kingship, and Masculinity in Early Medieval Europe, by Eric Goldberg examines the history of hunting in Europe from the years 300 to 1000.
Study tracks elephant tusks from 16th century shipwreck
The team extracted DNA from 44 tusks. By analyzing genetic sequences known to differ between African forest and savanna elephants, the scientists determined that all of the tusks they analyzed belonged to forest elephants.
Climate change caused the demise of Central Asia’s medieval civilizations, study finds
A new study challenges the long-held view that the destruction of Central Asia’s medieval river civilizations was a direct result of the Mongol invasion in the early 13th century.
Medieval beads reveal trade routes to West Africa
New research on beads discovered in Western Africa has revealed their origins came from thousands of kilometres away, and helps to show what goods were moving along medieval trade routes.
Fifth-century mosaic discovered in England
National Trust archaeologists working in western England have uncovered a mosaic created in the middle of the fifth century. It was uncovered at Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman villas known in the United Kingdom.
Saskatchewan student probes mystery surrounding medieval manuscript
A University of Saskatchewan graduate student is playing detective to better understand the use and function of a medieval Latin manuscript housed in the University Library—and she may be the first person in the world to have cracked the case.
New book examines Francis of Assisi through the lens of disability studies
StFX medieval history professor Dr. Donna Trembinski has turned a new lens to a familiar subject, showing readers another, less readily seen side of the famous saint, Francis of Assisi
Manuscripts of Middle English literature go online
Key manuscripts of Middle English literature have been digitised and made available online by the University of Manchester. They include works such as Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and John Lydgate‘s Troy Book and Fall of Princes.
British Library acquires 15th century psalter
The British Library has acquired the Lucas Psalter, a copy of the Psalms dating from the second half of the 15th century. The library plans to digitise the manuscript and make it available online.
Early 17th century Japanese document details castle-building project
An early Edo period document stipulating the Hosokawa clan code of conduct for vassals dispatched on a national project to rebuild Sunpu Castle has been discovered by Kumamoto University researchers.
Viking Woman’s Grave discovered in Norway
She was placed in a burial chamber and took several hundred miniature beads with her on her last journey. Who was the woman who was buried by Valsøyfjord over 1000 years ago?
Robin Hood Has Been Captured! Can You Rescue Him? Or support this game on Kickstarter?
Rescuing Robin Hood is the latest board game by Castillo Games, and they have launched a crowdfunding drive on Kickstarter.
How changing from a tribal to a feudal society impacted the local environment
The transition from tribal to feudal living, which occurred throughout the 14th century in Lagow, Poland had a significant impact on the local ecosystem, according to a study published in Scientific Reports.
£4 million project for Caernarfon Castle in Wales
The £4 million project will include vital conservation work and accessibility improvements, to the introduction of new and immersive interpretation spaces to boost the overall visitor experience.
New research on the petrified birds in the Dome of the Rock
On the southern exterior wall of the Dome of the Rock, a very important Islamic shrine in Jerusalem’s Old City, there are two marble slabs, both carved from the same stone and placed side by side to form a symmetrical pattern, that depicts two birds. The history of this marble decoration and how different narratives about its creation have been examined in a recent article.
What microbiologists see when they look at Da Vinci’s drawings
The microbial composition of art pieces can reveal interesting facts about their past and the journey they made.
Lost medieval text discovered on 15th century manuscript
‘We put one of them under the UV light, it showed this amazing dark French cursive underneath’
Online workshop: Storyworlds in Collections. Toward a Theory of the Ancient and Byzantine Tale
The University of Cyprus is hosting an online workshop next month. Storyworlds in Collections: Toward a Theory of the Ancient and Byzantine Tale (2nd – 7th c. CE) will run on Zoom on December 4th and 5th.
Medieval sites in Nagorno-Karabakh face uncertain future after war
The recent war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has ended after the deaths of hundreds of people, and thousands more becoming displaced.…
Online course to create a Medieval Christmas Feast
Medieval Christmas to be brought to life with a virtual cooking course.
Genetic study reveals insights into the Mongol Empire and the ancient Steppe
Genome-wide analysis spanning 6,000 years in the Eurasian Steppe gives insights to the formation of Mongolia’s empires.
Gjellestad was a major Viking burial ground, new research reveals
The ground-penetrating radar data showed 13 burial mounds once existed at Gjellestad, some over 30 metres wide.