Researchers discover medieval church lost to sea in 1362
A joint scientific project has located the sunken church of Rungholt in the North Frisian Wadden Sea in Germany. It is believed that the church and the rest of Rungholt were drowned in a storm surge in 1362.
Medieval comedy performance discovered in 15th century manuscript
‘By me, Richard Heege, because I was at that feast and did not have a drink.’
Codex Manesse added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
The Codex Manesse, created in the 14th century and known for its 134 beautiful images, has been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. It’s one of 14 medieval documents that have been just added to this list of documentary heritage.
French king Louis IX spotlighted in the new issue of Medieval World
Issue 6 of Medieval World: Culture & Conflict looks at King Louis IX of France (r. 1226–1270) – “the most Christian king”.
Work begins to protect medieval tomb from the Deathwatch Beetle
Conservation work has begun at St Andrew’s Church, Wingfield, to protect the 600-year-old tomb of Michael and Katherine de la Pole. The medieval tomb is being attacked by the Deathwatch Beetle.
A Majestic May Half Term in Store at Cadw Sites Across Wales
Cadw has released its packed May half-term schedule, offering unique activities for families to enjoy and bring Welsh history to life.
Codex Sassoon sells for $38 million at auction
An 1100-year-old manuscript has sold for $38,126,000 (US), making it the most valuable medieval manuscript to be auctioned. The Codex Sassoon, which contains an almost complete version of the Hebrew Bible, was purchased by Alfred H. Moses and will be donated to the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Israel.
You can now go into a part of Caernarfon Castle that has been inaccessible for centuries
Following 3 years of work, an enhancement project at the main gateway at Caernarfon Castle in Wales is complete. The £5 million project created a rooftop deck installation and new flooring in the gatehouse towers.
Medieval skincare routines were remarkably similar to modern versions, study finds
For centuries people have been trying to take care of their skin, making use of many different products, recipes and practices. A new study focusing on the works of the famous medieval doctor Trotula de Ruggiero reveals a skincare routine that is an “extraordinary combination of tradition and modernity.”
New exhibition on Rumi at the Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum will be hosting a thought-provoking exhibition that explores the life and impact of one of history’s most renowned poets, marking the 750th anniversary of his passing.
Medieval manuscript expected to sell for as much as $50 million at auction
The Codex Sassoon, which dates back to the late ninth or early tenth century, will be sold at auction later this month. It is expected to fetch between $30 to $50 million, making it one of the most expensive medieval manuscripts ever sold.
The genetic link between medieval and modern grapes
How similar are the grapes you eat to those consumed by people in the Middle Ages? A new study by international researchers has found genetic links between two modern varieties of red and white grapes and grape varieties cultivated over 1100 years ago.
Medieval Welsh Royal Court is now a scheduled monument
Although little remains of Llys Rhosyr today, in the 13th and 14th centuries this site was an important court of the Princes of Gwynedd. Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service has now made the site its 131st scheduled monument.
Podcasts: Βυζάντιο explained
Looking for a podcast about the Byzantine world? You can listen to Βυζάντιο explained.
Beowulf was connected to King Cnut, study finds
When King Cnut sailed to Denmark in 1019, did he bring a copy of Beowulf with him?
How Roman de Silence speaks to today’s debate on gender identity
The modern-day debate about gender identity can take some lessons from a 13th-century story. Researchers at the University of Warwick worked with a professional storyteller to bring Roman de Silence to new audiences.
Conference: The Other Sister: New Research on Non-Cloistered Religious Women (1100-1800)
You can attend in person or online for this conference, which takes place at the University of Toronto from May 18th – 20th.
Visitors are returning to medieval Welsh sites, Cadw reports
During the last year, over two million people visited the castles, abbeys and historical sites managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. This represents 92% of the number of people who were coming in the pre-Covid period.
People were decapitated in Anglo-Saxon England crudely, study finds
If just being executed in Anglo-Saxon England was not bad enough, it seems that those unlucky victims of beheading would also have to…
Honey trade was widespread in late medieval Europe, study finds
Europe was a veritable beehive of activity when it came to the medieval honey trade. A study just published in the Journal of…
Britain’s earliest known prayer bead necklace now on display at Lindisfarne
Britain’s earliest known prayer bead necklace and a recently discovered Anglo-Saxon glass gaming counter are just a few of the treasures now on…
Medieval texts help modern scientists better understand volcanoes
“The same year, during the full Moon, the Moon exhibited yellow, red and many other colours” ~ the English monk Bartholomew de Cotton,…
Ancestry of medieval Swahili people revealed in genetic study
Medieval people living on the ‘Swahili coast’ – the Indian Ocean coast of eastern Africa – have African and Asian ancestry according to new research on ancient DNA.
Fragment of Christian gospel discovered hidden in medieval manuscript
Using ultraviolet photography, a researcher in Austria has discovered a fragment of the Christian gospels written in Old Syriac. The original text was written in the 6th century, but then later erased and copied over hundreds of years later.