Where the Middle Ages Begin
This collection of 22 short stories from the early Ming Dynasty holds the distinction of being the first work of fiction ever banned in China. Fortunately, these tales—ranging from tender romances to eerie encounters with the supernatural—have survived for us to enjoy today.
What everyday objects did people use in the Middle Ages? From clothing and household necessities to tools for work and warfare, these 25 medieval items were essential to daily life and shaped how people lived, ate, and survived.
Delve into the pivotal figures of the Middle Ages whose enduring legacies shaped the course of history. From visionary leaders and profound scholars to prolific writers and formidable warriors, these individuals left an indelible mark on medieval society.
Discover the 50 most significant events of the Middle Ages, spanning the years 500 to 1500.
Here are seven vivid facts about colour in the Middle Ages
In medieval times, many unique jobs, such as Ale-wife and Groom of the Stool, were essential but have since vanished. Discover these obsolete occupations and how historical changes led to their disappearance.
Are you wanting to talk more like someone from the Middle Ages? We have a list of 30 great sayings and proverbs that you can use in your conversations.
Have you wondered what a medieval king did on a typical day? Thanks to Christine de Pizan, we have an account of what daily life was like for King Charles V of France.
Some of our most popular phrases have a long history, including some that go back to the Middle Ages.
Want to know what kind of jobs there were in the Middle Ages? A unique source from the 15th century gives us some beautiful images of medieval people at work.
Food security was a major concern for any medieval society. This book examines how individuals and communities responded to this challenge, particularly during periods of famine.
Alfred’s success was based on his ability to plan strategically on a grand scale, and that Æthelred II’s failure was due, at least in part, to his and his advisors’ inability to develop a coherent strategy against a similar threat.
After more than a century in storage, a remarkable Viking artefact is finally revealed
This book traces the history of Madrid from prehistoric settlements to the present day, charting its rise to become the heart of one of the largest empires of the early modern world.
Test your wit with 10 medieval riddles by Saint Aldhelm, a 7th-century English bishop and poet. Can you solve these ancient brainteasers?
Discover how medieval farmers protected their crops using natural pesticides, prayers, and even insect excommunications—early organic farming at its finest.
Visitors to Dumbarton Castle this weekend can expect to see more than just ancient stone walls and stunning views—they’ll be greeted by Viking warriors.
Discover how the medieval Church operated as a political power—ruling territories, collecting taxes, and challenging kings across Latin Christendom.
Explore the development of the Normans in Normandy, England, and the Mediterranean and learn about their political and cultural achievements. The five-week course starts June 13th.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Ada Palmer about Petrarch, Machiavelli, atheism, and how we should look at the period formerly known as the Renaissance.
Discover the top girls’ names in 16th-century England, based on parish records. See how names like Elizabeth, Joan, and Mary rose and fell in popularity.
Explore medieval swords like Excalibur, Joyeuse, and Durendal, where legend, miracle, and history meet in tales of power and mystery.
Discover how medieval London was governed with this look at 10 city jobs—from mayors and sheriffs to scavengers and ale-conners—based on a rare 14th-century manuscript known as the Jubilee Book.
Discover how Timur the Lame used pyramids of human skulls to instil fear, crush resistance, and build a brutal medieval empire.
This book sheds light on several lesser-known medieval churches in northern Ethiopia. It offers fresh insights into the region’s architectural and artistic heritage.
New research by Professor Dauvit Broun reveals that medieval Scots once saw Britain as fundamentally Scottish—challenging modern ideas of British identity and independence.
What do a pagan war god and a serpent-tailed fairy have in common? Both were claimed as ancestors by England’s medieval kings, who used myth and legend to elevate their status and reinforce their right to rule.
Discover the medieval legend of the Wolf of Gubbio, a fearsome beast tamed by Saint Francis of Assisi. Was it a miracle, a metaphor, or a message about peace and power?
A priest murdered in 14th-century London. A noblewoman’s vendetta. Cambridge’s Medieval Murder Maps reveals a tangled tale of adultery, public penance, and revenge near St Paul’s Cathedral.
This book offers an introduction to the Icelandic sagas, detailing various aspects of the genre. It then provides mini-descriptions of 40 sagas, explaining their content, dating, and transmission.
New research uncovers a hidden network of female spies and messengers in medieval Ypres, revealing how women played a crucial role in wartime intelligence during the Flemish revolt against Maximilian of Austria.
The Crusades enjoyed widespread support in Western Europe, and efforts on the home front were focused on mobilizing fighters for the Holy Land. This book explores the role of women in England in encouraging men to take up the Cross.
Discover the forgotten story behind the Middle English Dictionary and the scholar who started it all—Ewald Flügel, a German philologist whose ambitious vision helped shape Middle English studies.
This week, Danièle speaks with Michael Staunton about Thomas’ rapid rise to the highest positions in England, his epic feud with Henry II – including what part Henry might have played in Thomas’ martyrdom – and the aftermath of the infamous murder in the cathedral.
This collection of 22 short stories from the early Ming Dynasty holds the distinction of being the first work of fiction ever banned in China. Fortunately, these tales—ranging from tender romances to eerie encounters with the supernatural—have survived for us to enjoy today.
The fourteenth-century is one of the most turbulent periods in European history. Famine, war, plague, royal depositions – you name it, this century’s got it. This week, Danièle speaks with Helen Carr about how England fared in these wild times, what her take is on some famous Plantagenets, and why we need to take a fresh look at this calamitous century.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Robert A. Wood about medieval wills, funerals, and some memorable bequests
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Sara Butler about forensic medicine, and how death investigation was conducted in medieval England.
In this episode of the podcast, Michael and Kelly let us know where they have been the last few months – and this includes going to a lot of medieval castles and cities.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Robert Bartlett about the manuscripts we’ve lost by accident and by design, and how these precious documents are being preserved today.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with David Woodman about Æthelstan’s life, his rule, and his attempt to unite the kingdoms of Britain.