Archaeologists uncover medieval waterway structure in Germany
Archaeologists in Germany have unearthed a fascinating medieval structure during a recent excavation along the waterway. This discovery reveals a significant land reclamation effort from around 800 years ago.
Viking-Age Sword Discovered in Norway
A Viking-Age sword, probably dating from the 10th or 11th century, has been discovered in southwest Norway. Uncovered by a farmer, the item could be a VLFBERHT sword.
16th-century Fortress for Sale in Italy
You can now own a 16th-century fortress – Forte San Giorgio (Fortress of Saint George), located on the Italian island of Capraia, sits atop a 100-metre cliff.
14th-century altarpiece ‘Madonna of the Snow’ restored
The Madonna of the Snow altarpiece, painted by Jacopo di Cione in the 14th century, has been restored and returned to the church of SS. Apostoli e Biagio in Florence.
Early Medieval Writings in South Asia to be Explored
An exciting new project aims to delve into early medieval writings in South Asia, offering fresh insights into a pivotal historical period. This groundbreaking research will reveal long-forgotten aspects of the region’s past.
Medieval Graves Unearthed at Germany’s Posa Monastery
Ongoing excavations at Posa Monastery in eastern Germany have uncovered significant historical findings, including graves, a chapter house, and a 10th-century church connection.
International Medieval Congress begins in Leeds
Thousands of medievalists have come to the British city of Leeds to take part in the 2024 International Medieval Congress. One of the largest conferences in medieval studies, this year’s theme is ‘Crisis’.
New Study Challenges Dinosaur Fossil Origins of the Griffin Myth
A widely-promoted claim that dinosaur fossils inspired the legend of the griffin, a mythological creature popular in medieval bestiaries, has been challenged in a new study.
‘The Viking Sorceress’ opens at the National Museum of Denmark
‘The Viking Sorceress’ exhibition has opened at The National Museum of Denmark. Showcasing women in the Viking Age, this exhibition will likely be one of the highlights for medievalists this summer.
Early medieval reliquary discovered in Austria
Since the summer of 2016, archaeologists from Innsbruck have been excavating an early medieval hilltop settlement in the municipality of Irschen in southern Austria. Two years ago, they made a sensational discovery: a Christian reliquary hidden in a previously unknown church. It contained a richly decorated ancient reliquary box made of ivory.
Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens begins at the National Portrait Gallery
Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens opens today at the National Portrait Gallery in London. This exhibition reunites items last seen together when owned by the queens themselves, including never-before-displayed artifacts and a 16th-century portrait once thought lost.
Explore the Book of Kells Like Never Before
A new world-class digital exhibition at Trinity College Dublin transports visitors into the illuminated pages of the ninth-century Book of Kells. This experience allows visitors to delve into one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures and top tourist attractions.
Medieval Carving of a Warrior Discovered in Russia
Archaeologists in western Russia have discovered a bone carving depicting a medieval warrior. Dating to the 12th or 13th century, it is exceptionally detailed, with one being able to see the folds of the cloak, the warrior’s muscles, and flowing hair.
13th-century catapult stones discovered at Kenilworth Castle
Eight 13th-century catapult stones have been discovered perfectly preserved outside the walls of Kenilworth Castle in central England. These projectiles, fired during the 1266 siege of Kenilworth Castle amid the Second Baron’s War, vary in size, with the largest weighing 105kg and the smallest just 1kg.
Research on Medieval ‘Green Revolution’ wins award
Four medieval researchers have been awarded the 2024 Antiquity Prize for their article, “Re-thinking the ‘Green Revolution’ in the Mediterranean world.”
Medieval Jewish Prayer Book on Display at Faith Museum
A unique medieval siddur is now on public display at The Faith Museum in northern England. On loan from Corpus Christi College in Oxford, the manuscript is one of the very few Jewish artifacts from medieval England and contains Arabic handwriting within its pages, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of Jewish people in the Middle Ages.
Mummified remains, including ‘The Crusader’ destroyed in Dublin church fire
A man has been arrested following a fire on Tuesday in the crypt of St. Michan’s Church of Ireland in Dublin. The blaze destroyed five mummies, including an 800-year-old mummy known as ‘The Crusader’ and the 400-year-old remains of a nun.
Stunning Restoration Reveals Original Glory of Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Medieval Crucifix
After three years of meticulous work, a medieval painted Crucifix by Ambrogio Lorenzetti has been restored, unveiling its original splendour as it appeared in the 14th century.
30 medieval manuscripts digitized
Fans of medieval manuscripts have even more to explore with new additions to e-codices, the Virtual Manuscript Library of Switzerland. The database has put online 48 manuscripts, 30 of which date between the 9th and 15th centuries.
Restoration of Rare Medieval Document Detailing Asian Travels
A significant medieval document, forgotten for over 70 years, will be restored by researchers at the University of Warwick’s Warwick Venice Centre. It reveals a new perspective on global exchange in the decade after Marco Polo’s death.
Early medieval fragment of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas discovered
Researchers in Germany have discovered the earliest surviving copy of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. Dating to the 4th or 5th century AD, the fragment is part of a Gospel which tells episodes of the childhood of Jesus.
Stone of Destiny fragment analyzed
Historic Environment Scotland has carried out a series of cutting-edge, non-destructive scientific analyses of the sandstone fragment, comparing it to previous examinations of the Stone of Destiny.
This Summer at The Getty: The Book of Marvels
The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles will be hosting a new exhibition this summer focusing on medieval manuscripts. The Book of Marvels: Wonder and Fear in the Middle Ages, will run from June 11 to August 25, 2024.
Remains of warrior monks (including one woman) discovered in Spain
Researchers in Spain exploring a castle’s cemetery have discovered the remains of 25 people from a medieval military order. Amidst these burials, they also found a woman who could also have been a warrior.