The Devil’s Blacksmith: The Legendary Gates of Notre-Dame
Could one of the most extraordinary feats of medieval metalworking have been forged with the help of the devil? The ironwork on the…
Latest Posts
New Medieval Books: The Book
What if the world reverted to the Middle Ages—or even earlier? How would you rebuild society from scratch? This book provides a fascinating and entertaining guide to rediscovering medieval skills, from baking bread and operating a loom to mastering the mechanics of a siege tower.
King Otto I’s Tribute to Queen Edith Re-Dated After New Analysis
A tribute from King Otto I of Germany to his late English queen, Edith, has been re-dated following new research by a historian from the University of Exeter.
Shadow Empires, with Thomas Barfield – Byzantium & Friends, Episode 124
A conversation with Thomas Barfield about a distinctive category of empires that he has proposed in a new book, Shadow Empires: An Alternative Imperial History.
10 Perfect Gifts for the Medievalist in Your Life
Looking for the perfect gift for the medieval enthusiast in your life this holiday season? Here are 10 fantastic ideas that combine history and charm.
Early Medieval Treasure Secured for English Museum
A rare piece of early medieval history has been secured for display in an English museum, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign. The Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet pyramidal sword mount, dating back to the seventh century, will soon be part of The Novium Museum’s collection in Chichester, ensuring its preservation and accessibility to the public.
New Medieval Books: The Troubadours
This book delves into the lives of eight troubadours, weaving together the stories of the men and women who emerged as poet-musicians and became integral to the culture of medieval Western Europe. It features translations of many of their captivating poems and songs, bringing their artistry to life.
Medieval Ghost Stories: The Chilling Haunts of Byland Abbey
What would you do if a ghost blocked your path, or if a spirit appeared at your door, desperate for absolution? For the people of medieval England, these weren’t mere tales to spook children—they were real encounters that offered lessons about life, death, and the afterlife. Byland Abbey, a Cistercian monastery in Yorkshire, is the source of some of the most fascinating and chilling ghost stories from the Middle Ages.
Relics of St. Thomas Aquinas come to Washington D.C.
The major relics of St. Thomas Aquinas, including his skull, will be on display in Washington, D.C., from November 29 to November 30, 2024.
A Holy Blueprint with Karl Kinsella – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 267
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Karl Kinsella about the great twelfth-century scholar Richard of St. Victor, his efforts to make the vision of Ezekiel clear, and why this set of biblical blueprints is such an important contribution to the history of architecture.
New Medieval Books: Expanding Horizons
Medieval Europeans increasingly ventured beyond the borders of their continent, embarking on journeys that brought them into contact with the diverse peoples of Asia, Africa, and the New World. This book delves into their explorations and the encounters that shaped these fascinating cross-cultural exchanges.
Medieval Saint Eanswythe’s Relics Returned to Rest in England
The relics of Saint Eanswythe, a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon princess and one of England’s earliest saints, have been returned to their original resting place in Folkestone. Hidden for centuries to escape destruction, her remains were rediscovered and studied, shedding new light on the life of this remarkable medieval figure.
Were the Templars a Secret Cult?
Were the Templars truly secretive satanic worshippers, or is that just a myth perpetuated by conspiracy theories? Dive into the surprising evidence that reveals how this famed medieval order was far more open and integrated into society than legend suggests.
New Medieval Books: Frigg
This book explores the history of the Norse goddess Frigg, delving into her significance and role within Norse paganism.
What Was Student Life Like in a Medieval University?
Imagine waking up at 5 a.m., debating in Latin by mid-morning, and being fined for walking the streets at night. Welcome to the…
The First 3D Anatomy Models: Vesalius’ Paper Manikins Finally Reunited
For nearly 500 years, the groundbreaking work of 16th-century anatomist Andreas Vesalius has shaped medical education, but one of his most innovative tools—anatomical “manikins” designed to teach 3D anatomy—has largely remained in the shadows. Now, for the first time, these intricate paper models have been brought together by American researchers, offering a fresh look at how Vesalius revolutionised the study of the human body.
The Battle of Lewes (1264) – Bow & Blade, Episode 56
King Henry III faces Simon de Montfort as England falls into civil war. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Second Barons’ War, and why Henry and his son Edward lost a battle they should have won.
Viking Settlers: Iceland and Faroes Compared
Discover how Viking settlers of Iceland and the Faroe Islands came from distinct Scandinavian origins, revealed by a new genetic study.
French women had more power in the Middle Ages than after the Revolution
The Middle Ages were not all about tyrannical rulers and power struggles. Cooperation, compromise, and women in power were also common, according to a historian at the University of Oslo.
Medieval document exposed as 18th-century forgery
A medieval document thought to date from 1266 has been exposed as an elaborate 18th-century forgery. Uncovered by researchers at Göttingen University, the text reveals the cunning schemes of Domenico Cicci, a forger who fabricated hundreds of documents to elevate his family’s status.
New Medieval Books: Sigismund
The Latin text and English translation of a letter from the future Pope Pius II to the Duke of Austria, written in the year 1443 and focusing on how to improve oneself through learning.
How to Buy a Medieval Warhorse
Owning a warhorse was more than a necessity for medieval knights—it was a symbol of their status and a critical asset in battle. England’s warrior aristocracy had multiple avenues to secure these prized animals, ranging from bustling horse fairs to deals with foreign merchants and independent traders.
Centaurs vs. Sirens: A Medieval Showdown
What do a half-man, half-horse archer and a seductive half-fish siren have in common? In medieval art, they engage in an eternal struggle, symbolising the battle between vice and virtue.
New Medieval Books: The Exile’s Cookbook
This translation of a 13th-century cookbook delves into the rich culinary traditions of Andalusian and North African cuisine. Featuring 480 recipes, it guides you through preparing meat and vegetarian dishes, crafting breads and pastries, and exploring the fascinating world of medieval food.
Magna Carta: A Translation
The Magna Carta, sealed in 1215, was born out of rebellion, as England’s barons forced King John to curb his abuses of power. Here is a complete translation of this important medieval document.
BooksAll posts
New Medieval Books: The Latin Lives of St Laurence of Dublin
Lorcán Ua Tuathail, known in English as Laurence O’Toole, was a 12th-century Archbishop of Dublin. This book presents editions of four texts about his life, two of which are also translated into English
Latest Podcast EpisodesAll posts
The House of Condulmer with Alan Stahl – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 268
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Alan Stahl about life in one of the richest cities in the medieval world, and the fate and fortunes a family who climbed the social ladder to the very top.
Shadow Empires, with Thomas Barfield – Byzantium & Friends, Episode 124
A conversation with Thomas Barfield about a distinctive category of empires that he has proposed in a new book, Shadow Empires: An Alternative Imperial History.
A Holy Blueprint with Karl Kinsella – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 267
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Karl Kinsella about the great twelfth-century scholar Richard of St. Victor, his efforts to make the vision of Ezekiel clear, and why this set of biblical blueprints is such an important contribution to the history of architecture.
The Battle of Lewes (1264) – Bow & Blade, Episode 56
King Henry III faces Simon de Montfort as England falls into civil war. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Second Barons’ War, and why Henry and his son Edward lost a battle they should have won.
Ibn Sina and Biruni with S. Frederick Starr – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 266
Experimenting, translating, and philosophizing about physics and metaphysics, biology and geology, two great thinkers from Central Asia stand out both for their achievements, and their completely opposite points of view. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with S. Frederick Starr about the work and the lives of Ibn Sina (aka Avicenna) and Biruni, their contributions to science and culture, and the reason they outright despised each other.
The Fall of Constantinople, Pope Pius II, and the Birth of Europe, with Nancy Bisaha
A conversation with Nancy Bisaha about the origins of the idea of “Europe” as a place of identity and not just geography. One of its first theorists was the Italian humanist Aeneas Piccolomini (later Pope Pius II), who was in part reacting to the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks. The problem of whom to include and exclude as Europeans was there from the start. We talk about Aeneas himself and the siege of the City.