Five Reasons to Hug a Medievalist
On March 31, we celebrate the annual International Hug a Medievalist day, a day on which we can all show our appreciation for the medievalists in our midst.
Who was Christine de Pizan?
Danièle Cybulskie talks about an awesome fifteenth-century female writer: Christine de Pizan.
The Spiritual Athlete: Elizabeth of Spaalbeek
Elizabeth stands out, though, in the sheer physical strength and flexibility shown by her ability to hold postures such as lying down with her head and shoulders elevated for an extended time – an incredible feat of core strength!
How to Get Away with Murder in the Middle Ages
The circumstances of the case show just how easy it could be to get away with murder in the Middle Ages.
Who was Edward I?
The Five-Minute Medievalist talks about the life and times of Edward I, King of England.
Medieval Grooming Tools
The Five-Minute Medievalist takes a look at some of the grooming tools from the Middle Ages that she has come across in her travels.
When were the Middle Ages?
The Five-Minute Medievalist answers the question, ‘When were the Middle Ages?’
The Medieval Magazine: (Volume 4: No. 3): Issue 105: Valentine’s Day
The Valentine’s Issue!: Love in the Middle Ages, Teutonic Knights, Tudor medicine, and much, much more!
Anglo-Saxon Punishments: The Price of a Pinky
Recognizing that an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, medieval lawmakers believed that justice could be satisfied by aggressors making financial compensation to victims.
A Medieval Man’s New Year’s Resolutions
In the diary of Gregorio Dati, an Italian merchant born in the fourteenth century, we can see resolutions tied to this urge to face a new year as a better man in an entry dated January 1, 1404.
The Knighting Ceremony: From Squire to Sir
Danièle Cybulskie takes a look at the ceremony in which a squire was knighted.
Come One! Come All! Medieval Tournament Announcements
Tournaments were the big-ticket events in the Middle Ages, attracting people from all walks of life to witness great spectacles of sport and entertainment. But how did tournament organizers spread the word?
Trial by Combat: The Bloody Business of Justice
As a community of the faithful, medieval people believed that no matter how evenly or unevenly matched the fighters were, the one who was innocent would prevail, but trial by combat was not often a black-and-white thing.
Book Review: Medievalism: A Manifesto
A rallying cry for scholars in general to harness the power of public platforms to better society.
Medieval Executions: The View from the Scaffold
Let’s take a brief look at what judicial execution was really like in the Middle Ages.
How to Kill a Medieval Zombie
By Danièle Cybulskie I’ve often said that people in the Middle Ages shared the same hopes and fears that we do. Believe it…
History in Three Dimensions
When we learn about history, the emphasis is often placed on things we find hilarious or shocking, and pretty much everything we take in afterwards confirms that negative impression.
The Rise and Spectacular Fall of the Templars: An Interview with Dan Jones
Dan Jones gives us the scoop on his new Templar book, Knightfall, and what’s next up his sleeve.
Medieval Archery at The Royal Garrison
We’re trying out medieval archery at The Royal Garrison in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
The Peasant Doctor: A Medieval Turnaround Tale
One of the best ways to learn about a culture is to figure out its sense of humour. In medieval Europe, this means looking at fabliaux: short, funny tales that demonstrate common stereotypes and jokes – usually sexual, violent, and containing a clear scapegoat.
One Year Anniversary of The Five-Minute Medievalist Book
I’m so excited to announce that this Thursday, April 6th, marks the first anniversary of my little book, The Five-Minute Medievalist!
“One Freedom to All Human Beings”: Laura Cereta, Fifteenth-Century Women’s Champion
In medieval Italy, the nature and capabilities of women were being debated by both women and men, who fell on both sides of the argument. One voice among those was Laura Cereta’s.
How to Party Like It’s 1399
The holiday season is upon us once again, which means that it’s time to get medieval and party like there’s no fifteenth century!
Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself
When I was younger, I thought that Roosevelt’s words meant that if we only have our own fear to fear, then there is nothing at all to be afraid of. Now, it seems clear to me that this means something very different…
Julian of Norwich: The Quiet Voice of Contemplation
However you encounter Julian, whether for the first time or the hundredth, no doubt you will hear the quiet voice of a lifetime of contemplation.