This research provides the clearest picture yet of the lives and population movements of communities associated with the Lombards, a barbarian people that ruled most of Italy for more than two hundred years
Genetic secrets of early medieval warriors revealed from German burial site
September 5, 2018 by
In 1962, an Alemannic burial site containing human skeletal remains was discovered in Niederstotzingen in southwestern Germany. A team of researchers have now examined the DNA of these skeletal remains, and discovered that this was a group of warriors buried between the years 580 and 630 AD.
The return to hill forts in the Dark Ages: what can this tell us about post-Roman Britain?
July 20, 2018 by
After being abandoned for nearly 400 years, some of the ancient Iron Age hill forts were re-occupied and re-fortified in the later fifth and early sixth centuries. Interestingly, some ‘new’ hill forts were also erected at this time.
Survival to amputation in pre-antibiotic era: a case study from a Longobard necropolis (6th-8th centuries AD)
June 6, 2018 by
This is a remarkable example in which an older male survived the loss of a forelimb in pre-antibiotic era.
Researchers discover early medieval women with their skulls altered
March 13, 2018 by
A new palaeogenomic study of early medieval people in southern Germany has revealed the presence of women who had their skulls artificially altered.
Hunnic Warfare in the Fourth and Fifth Centuries C.E.
November 12, 2017 by
This study examines evidence of Hunnic archery, questions the acceptance and significance of the “Hunnic archer” image, and situates Hunnic archery within the context of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Malaria and malaria-like disease in the early Middle Ages
July 31, 2017 by
This paper clears up contours of malaria’s occurrence in Frankish Europe. It surveys sources relevant to its study and establishes guidelines for retrospectively diagnosing the disease.
Ireland in Late Antiquity: A Forgotten Frontier?
June 5, 2017 by
This paper argues that it is more fruitful to examine the relationship between Ireland and its neighbors from c. 150–c. 550 C.E., through a frontier dynamic, a dynamic in which religious identity was but one factor among many.
Changing Places: a comparative discussion of London and Tours in the Early Medieval Period
March 29, 2017 by
This paper examines the developmental stages that occurred at two settlements which saw significant changes from the 5th to 12th centuries AD; London and Tours.
Book Excerpt: Warriors and Kings The 1500-Year Battle For Celtic Britain by Martin Wall
March 22, 2017 by
For those of you looking for something Celtic to read this spring, author Martin Wall brings us Warriors and Kings: The 1500-Year Battle for Celtic Britain.
Book Review: Occupying Space in Medieval and Early Modern Britain and Ireland
March 21, 2017 by
Our review of ‘Occupying Space in Medieval and Early Modern Britain and Ireland’
Early Irish history: the state of the art
March 16, 2017 by
Early Irish studies should be engaging with three distinct audiences: these are made up of scholars within the field, medievalists outside of it and the interested public.
Book Review: A Medieval Woman’s Companion by Susan Signe Morrison
March 8, 2017 by
Susan Signe Morrison’s book, “A Medieval Woman’s Companion” brings the contributions of medieval women, famous and obscure, to the forefront in this fantastic introductory text.
Roman Singing and its Influence Across Europe
February 20, 2017 by
In this lecture we shall explore what the singing of Rome meant far afield: in northern England, Ireland, Spain and Germany.
Historical Oddity: The Birth of a Commonwealth in Medieval Iceland
November 21, 2016 by
Iceland is an odd place with an odd history. Despite being ranked among the wealthiest nations today, for much of its history it was left out of the growth and development of culture and technology throughout the Medieval period. It has never been a particularly hospitable environment for human habitation. Wind-blasted, cold, and rocky, it was an island left unsettled by humans long after it was discovered.
BOOK EXCERPT: King Cnut and the Viking Conquest of England 1016 by W.B. Bartlett
November 2, 2016 by
The Viking Conquest of England in 1016, saw two great warriors, the Danish prince Cnut, and his equally ruthless English opponent, King Edmund Ironside fight an epic campaign.
BOOK REVIEW: The Anglo-Saxons in 100 Facts by Martin Wall
July 31, 2016 by
Looking for a “historical beach read” this summer? Look no further. Martin Wall’s latest book, The Anglo-Saxons in 100 Facts brings pre-conquest England to life in a chronological series full of interesting, humorous and gruesome facts about the Anglo Saxons.
The Ruin: The Past Dreaming of the Past
April 13, 2016 by
Besides being chillingly beautiful, this is one of those fantastic moments for literature scholars in which, by describing what life might have been like in a former time, the poet reveals something of his own age: what people of his time thought glory days should be like.
BOOK REVIEW: The Northern Queen by Kelly Evans
April 8, 2016 by
Kelly Evans’Anglo-Saxon novel centres around the story of Aelfgifu of Northampton (990-1040); from her rise in court and eventual marriage to one of England’s most famous early kings, Cnut the Great (995-1035), to her repudiation, and later life with her sons after Cnut’s passing.
Movie Review: Pope Joan – Medieval Legend Comes to Life Onscreen
March 20, 2016 by
Released in 2009, also under its German title, ,Die Päpstin,, ,Pope Joan’ recounts the medieval legend of Johanna von Ingleheim, a woman who disguised herself as a man, lived as a monk, and eventually went on to become pope in the ninth century.
Women’s Work and Family in the Viking Age
March 16, 2016 by
A look at women’s work and family life in the Viking Age.
Outrage in Matrera Over Botched Castle Restoration
March 11, 2016 by
A botched restoration attempt in Spain has garnered international attention and condemnation from locals, historians and conservationists.
A Viking Mess – Northmen: A Viking Saga Movie Review
February 28, 2016 by
This week’s medieval movie is Northmen: A Viking Saga.
BOOK REVIEW: Grendel’s Mother: The Saga of the Wyrd-Wife by Susan Signe Morrison
February 1, 2016 by
Grendel’s Mother tells the story of Brimhild, a child found abandoned in a boat on the shores of Denmark. Taken in by a fisherwoman woman and her husband, she is received as a blessing for the child they recently lost. There is nothing to identify her save for a few strange, and foreign items packed […]
Medieval Hangover Cures
January 1, 2016 by
Here are a few hangover cures from days gone by, because people who partied like it was 1399 also needed a little help the morning after.
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