How Beer Came to Medieval England
Dutch immigrants brought hopped beer to medieval England in the 14th century, gradually transforming English brewing and drinking habits.
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BooksAll posts
New Medieval Books: De Observatione Ciborum
What did people eat in the early Middle Ages? Or, more precisely, what were they advised to eat? This sixth-century text, presented here in an edited translation, offers dietary advice and recipes intended for a Frankish ruler.
New Medieval Books: After Rumi
New Medieval Books: The Knights Templar
New Medieval Books: Warfare in the Global Middle Ages
New Medieval Books: The First Print Era
New Medieval Books: Under the Viking Yoke
New Medieval Books: The Maghazi of Sayyiduna Muhammad
New Medieval Books: A Shapeshifter in Love
Book Review: Castles: A Fortified History of the World
Latest Podcast EpisodesAll posts
Symeon the New Theologian: Queer Desire in Devotional Poetry, with Derek Krueger
A conversation with Derek Krueger on homoerotic language and imagery in the works of the eleventh-century writer Symeon the New Theologian. These passages are unusual enough that earlier editors and scholars were made uncomfortable about them. We discuss their devotional context but also the broader context of homoeroticism and homophobia in the monastic world of that time.
Bow & Blade: Q&A #15 – Decisive Battles of the Middle Ages
This episode of Bow & Blade was recorded live at the 2026 International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds. Kelly and Michael answer questions including was Agincourt the most decisive battle of the period, what battle do they find most useful to teach, and who was the most effective general of the Middle Ages?
The Battle of Campaldino (1289)
Florence and its allies faced the forces of Arezzo in one of the most important battles of medieval Tuscany. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Campaldino and the fighting that brought Dante Alighieri onto the battlefield.
The Art of the Empire of Nicaea, with Naomi Pitamber
A conversation with Naomi Pitamber about the art and architecture of the empire of Nicaea (Nikaia), the Roman state that emerged in Asia Minor after the disaster of 1204.
The Battle of Bosworth (1485)
King Richard III faces Henry Tudor in one of the decisive battles of the Wars of the Roses. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Bosworth and how the identification of its battlefield has offered new insights into how the fighting unfolded.
The Battle of Formigny (1450)
As the Hundred Years’ War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.