Where the Middle Ages Begin
Discover the striking parallels between Viking warriors and 1990s gangsta rappers in this thought-provoking article exploring shared values of honour, violence, reputation, and poetic legacy across two seemingly distant cultures.
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.
Walter Goffart, a leading historian of European history in late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, has passed away at the age of 90.
This book tells the story of Giovambattista Ramusio and how he created one of the first major works of world geography. First published in the middle of the 16th century, Ramusio’s work reveals much about how knowledge of far off lands came to Venice.
Explore how King Alfred’s peace-making strategies, from treaties to baptisms, reshaped Viking leaders into Christian rulers, ultimately transforming the fate of medieval England.
Discover how medieval peoples like the Goths and Vandals left an unexpected legacy in modern language, giving rise to words that carry meanings far removed from their origins.
An introduction to the sport of falconry in the medieval world, this book details several different aspects, ranging from how these birds were trained to their usefulness as gifts in diplomacy.
Dive into the epic world of Beowulf with this guided reading course! Explore the entire poem alongside related early medieval texts, uncovering its…
Gargoyles aren’t just eerie stone figures—they were medieval weapons against evil, using fear, satire, and mockery to protect both buildings and beliefs.
Crusading was meant to be a holy mission, but for many knights and soldiers, the lure of taverns, drink, and other temptations often…
The medieval Islamic world wasn’t just ahead in literacy and urbanization—it also built one of history’s most sophisticated spy networks. From mail carriers who doubled as informants to queens and singing-girls gathering secrets, espionage was woven into the fabric of power.
Saints and Sinners on Horseback, Volume II Edited by Miriam A. Bibby Trivent Publishing ISBN: 978-615-6696-29-8 This book presents seven essays exploring the…
The JORVIK Viking Festival is in full swing in York, with key events set to take place this weekend, drawing visitors from around the world to celebrate the city’s rich Norse heritage.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with David Carpenter about what people loved and loathed about Henry, how he managed to survive the rockiest moments of his reign, and the incredible architectural legacy he left behind.
Medieval university life was anything but dull—freshmen endured brutal hazing rituals, public humiliations, and even bizarre traditions involving feces, all in the name of scholarly initiation.
Many people first encounter the Middle Ages through video games. This book examines how these games incorporate familiar medieval tropes while simultaneously shaping new perceptions of the past.
Archaeologists working in St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche) in Gardelegen, Germany, have made an unexpected discovery: a small lead-bronze figurine of a monkey, buried beneath the medieval church for centuries.
A rare medieval scroll has been uncovered in the archives of Bar Convent in York, England, revealing new insights into devotional practices.
Martin Aurell whose works about the first Plantagenets were read by medievalists all over the world, has passed away at the age of 67.
Here are ten fascinating articles from the Royal Society’s journals that shed light on the Middle Ages.
When King Henry I died in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the English throne, igniting a bitter struggle for power with his cousin Matilda. This book explores the ensuing civil war, known as The Anarchy, a turbulent period that plunged England into chaos and conflict.
How did Rome, once the heart of a mighty empire, crumble into ruins by the end of the Middle Ages?
Ever feel like every other medieval king was named Henry? You’re not wrong. From warrior monarchs to excommunicated emperors, scholars, and even a blind Venetian conqueror, the Middle Ages had no shortage of Henrys—here’s a guide to sorting them out.
Did medieval men and women write about their love for one another? This book offers several texts and translations of real and somewhat fictional correspondence, showing that even in the Middle Ages the pen could open up the heart.
In 751, a siege, a coup, and a battle reshaped empires, redrew borders, and even introduced an invention that would change the world—here’s why this year deserves a place in history books.
Discover the tale of Sir Moriaen, the bold Black knight who defied medieval stereotypes and earned his place among King Arthur’s greatest heroes.
The typical portrayal of Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries is that it was a great era in which everyone produced even greater art. However, this book reveals that the ‘Renaissance’ was not so great after all, as the period was marked by political turmoil, warfare, and tragedy.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Graham Loud about how Barbarossa came to power, how he managed to reign supreme in both Germany and Italy despite some bumps along the way, and why he’s sometimes revered as a once and future king in Germany.
A conversation with Tina Sessa and Marion Kruse on the process of peer-review in the humanities: what it’s for, how it can be done well, and where it can go awry. The conversation is based on many decades of collective experience of peer-review, on all sides of the process.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Nathen Amin about Henry Tudor’s Welsh ancestry, how generations of royals and rebels shaped him, and how he managed to claim the English throne despite desperately long odds.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Sarah Loose Guerrero about what to expect at a medieval hospital, how institutions like the Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala supported citizens from infancy to adulthood, and what hospital support looked like for both urban and rural communities.
A conversation with Adam Morin about categories of taste, the meal structure, and the food and ingredients that east Romans ate. What foods were prized and what looked down upon? How do we know what they ate? What do we know about individual preferences?
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Lynn Ramey about the incredible Jean Bodel, his massive influence on other medieval writers, and some of his unforgettable works.
