Medieval Councils to Feature in New Edition of the Denzinger Compendium
A new edition of the Denzinger compendium will spotlight medieval reform councils like the Council of Constance, highlighting their enduring influence on Church governance.
Trial by Combat and Fire: The Strangest Way to Settle a Medieval Religious Dispute
A medieval king turned to trial by combat and fire to decide a religious dispute in Spain — one of the strangest episodes of the Middle Ages.
Did the Inquisition Allow Heresy to Endure? Lessons from the 1335 Trial in Giaveno
A 1335 trial in Giaveno reveals the flaws of the medieval Inquisition—fragmentation, community resistance, and gender bias—that allowed heresy to endure despite brutal methods.
New Medieval Books: Barbarian Queens and the Conversion of Europe
Queens played a pivotal role in bringing Christianity to new parts of Europe – or at least that’s how the story goes. This book explores eight cases in which women married pagan rulers and worked to introduce and establish the Christian faith among their husbands and the people they ruled.
Seal of Medieval Archbishop Found in Denmark
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered the medieval seal of Esger Juul, Archbishop of Lund in the early 14th century. The find sheds light on his life, family origins, and role in Danish history.
How the Council of Nicaea Shaped the Medieval Church
Discover how the Council of Nicaea not only defined early Christian doctrine but also laid the foundations for the medieval Church’s authority, canon law, and institutional structure, shaping the course of European history for centuries.
New Medieval Books: The Deeds of the Neapolitan Bishops
In the eighth and ninth centuries, Naples was an autonomous city-state navigating complex relationships with its neighbours. This book presents the original text and translation of a contemporary account that chronicles the city’s local history during this period.
Matthew Paris: Was This Medieval Chronicler a Reliable Source?
Discover how Matthew Paris shaped medieval history through his chronicles, blending observation with commentary. Was he a faithful recorder of events or a monk with a message to deliver?
How the Crusade Became a Medieval Institution
This article explores how the crusade emerged as a distinct medieval institution, shaped by ideas of holy war, just war, and penance.
The Medieval Church as a Military Power
Discover how the medieval Church emerged as a major military power, mobilizing secular armies, launching crusades, and creating unique warrior-monks through the military religious orders.
The Medieval Church as a Political Power
Discover how the medieval Church operated as a political power—ruling territories, collecting taxes, and challenging kings across Latin Christendom.
Saint Thomas Becket with Michael Staunton
This week, Danièle speaks with Michael Staunton about Thomas’ rapid rise to the highest positions in England, his epic feud with Henry II – including what part Henry might have played in Thomas’ martyrdom – and the aftermath of the infamous murder in the cathedral.
A History of the Popes Named Leo
From Leo I to the newly elected Leo XIV, this article explores the long and complex history of popes who chose the name Leo—revealing how each shaped the Catholic Church through reform, conflict, and legacy.
How Popes Died in the Middle Ages: Ritual, Power, and Performance
What happened when a pope died in the Middle Ages? Behind the closed doors of Rome and Avignon, elaborate rituals unfolded—blending faith, politics, and performance to preserve the illusion that the Church never died.
When Medieval Nuns Stopped a Papal Construction Site: The Turbulent Story of the Basilica of Saint-Urbain in Troyes
Discover the dramatic story of how a powerful abbess and her nuns defied the papacy and halted the construction of a major Gothic basilica in 13th-century Troyes, France.
The Cadaver Synod: The Trial of a Dead Pope
In 897, Pope Stephen VI exhumed his predecessor and put him on trial. Known as the Cadaver Synod, this bizarre episode in Church history was more than madness—new research reveals it was a political and religious power play.
Top 10 Antipopes
Discover the stories of ten historical figures who claimed the papacy but were later declared antipopes. From Hippolytus of Rome to Felix V, explore the rivalries, scandals, and political power struggles that shaped medieval Church history.
New Medieval Books: Writings (1416-1432)
The writings of Pawel Wlodkowic, a 15th-century Polish canon lawyer, are translated in this book. It offers a fascinating view from Poland of their rivalry with the Teutonic Order, their relations with pagan peoples, and Wlodkowic’s opinions on human rights.
The Council of Whitby: A Study in Early Anglo-Saxon Politics
This article re-examines the Council of Whitby (664) in light of political tensions in early Anglo-Saxon England, arguing that the synod was driven as much by dynastic conflict and papal diplomacy as by liturgical dispute. Drawing on sources like Bede and the Life of Wilfrid, it offers a revised timeline and highlights the council’s significance in Oswiu’s struggle for ecclesiastical and political supremacy.
Nicene Creed at 1700: Vatican Releases New Document
The Vatican’s International Theological Commission has released a new document ahead of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, reflecting on the ongoing significance of the Nicene Creed.
The Evolution of Papal Authority: Plenitudo Potestatis and Sovereignty in Medieval Canon Law
How did medieval canon law shape the idea of absolute papal authority? This article traces the evolution of key legal concepts—plenitudo potestatis, potestas absoluta, and pro ratione voluntas—from Pope Innocent III to Hostiensis, revealing their lasting impact on theories of sovereignty.
Medieval Christianity Was More Connected Than You Think: The Ethiopian Monk’s Story
One Ethiopian monk’s bold attempt to reshape his church’s hierarchy offers a striking example of how Christian communities across the medieval world were deeply interconnected.
Why Being a Medieval Priest Wasn’t as Easy as You Think
Here are a few drawbacks to being a medieval priest.
New Medieval Books: Women and the Reformations
From queens like Elizabeth I to mystics such as Teresa of Ávila, women held pivotal roles in the religious struggles that shaped Christianity during the late Middle Ages and Early Modern period. This book examines the Reformation and Counter Reformation through several leading female figures, both within and outside of Europe.
