Strategic Rivals: How England and France Waged War in the High Middle Ages
How medieval kings like William the Conqueror, Henry II, and Philip II used strategy, diplomacy, and finance to wage war and build power across England and France.
Philip Augustus vs. the Kings of England: A Medieval Power Struggle
Discover how Philip Augustus of France outmanoeuvred four English kings through diplomacy, war, and strategic alliances—reshaping medieval Europe in one of its most pivotal power struggles.
Medieval Cemetery with Over 470 Graves Discovered in France
Archaeologists have uncovered a forgotten medieval cemetery in the town of Bourg-Charente, in southwestern France. The discovery, made in advance of a housing development, has revealed over 470 burials dating from the Early Middle Ages to the 13th century.
New Medieval Books: Merovingian Worlds
This book offers an overview of the Merovingian realm, roughly what is now France and parts of neighbouring Western Europe during the 5th to 8th centuries.
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.
Viking-Era Burials Discovered on French Island
Archaeologists excavating a site on the Île de Ré, off the western coast of France, have uncovered medieval graves that provide new insights into connections between the Nordic world and the Atlantic coast during the early Middle Ages.
New Medieval Books: Chronicle of King Charles VII
An edition and translation of a chronicle by a monk with ties to the French government, offering a detailed account of political and military events in France, particularly those of the Hundred Years’ War.
Medieval Blacksmithing Workshop Uncovered in Southern France
Archaeologists have uncovered buildings linked to a medieval forge in the town of Foix, located in the Ariège region of southern France. The excavation, conducted by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap), is shedding new light on the town’s urban development and its historical role in ironworking.
New Medieval Books: The Romance of Mont St. Michel
In the mid-twelfth century, Guillaume de St. Paier decided to write a history of the famous abbey of Mont St.Michel in verse. This book offers the first complete translation of this text which relates the miracles and legends associated with this monastery.
Archaeologists Explore Medieval French Church
Saint-Philibert Church in Dijon, France, is revealing centuries of history as archaeologists excavate up to three metres below its floor to assess the health of its foundations.
French women had more power in the Middle Ages than after the Revolution
The Middle Ages were not all about tyrannical rulers and power struggles. Cooperation, compromise, and women in power were also common, according to a historian at the University of Oslo.
New Medieval Books: Hariulf’s History of St Riquier
This translation explores the evolution of a monastic community from its founding in the seventh century up to the year 1088. Historians will find that Hariulf wrote about a wide variety of topics, from Viking attacks to everyday life of his fellow monks.
New Medieval Books: Edward Longshanks’ Forgotten Conflict
The Anglo-French war of 1294-1303, also known as the Gascon War, was Edward I’s main focus, driving England and France into fierce battles and alliances over Aquitaine. This book delves into the bloody confrontations of the conflict, including the pivotal Battle of the Golden Spurs.
New Medieval Books: House of Lilies
The Capetian Dynasty ruled France from 987 to 1328, shaping not only their nation’s history but also leaving a lasting impact across Europe and beyond. This is the story of their rise, reign, and enduring legacy.
Near Miss: How Medieval England Was Almost Invaded
In 1385 and 1386, England was about to be invaded by France.
Religious Responses to Social Violence in Eleventh-Century Aquitaine
The late tenth and early eleventh centuries were a time of political anarchy and social disorder in southern France.
Surviving Medieval Paris: Life and Death in a War-Torn City
During the Hundred Years’ War, Paris was a city under siege. For sixteen harrowing years, the English ruled, and the streets ran red…
Unveiling the Medieval Brothel: The Maison de Bois and Its Scandalous Past
Discover the Maison de Bois of Mâcon, a medieval gem in Burgundy, France, that offers a captivating glimpse into the audacious and rebellious spirit of the 15th century. From its scandalous past as a brothel to its provocative facade, this well-preserved wooden house is a treasure trove of historical intrigue and artistic whimsy.
Roland’s Sword Goes Missing from Rocamadour. Not the First Time in History…
Durendal, Roland’s legendary sword, has been stolen.
The Capetians with Justine Firnhaber-Baker
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Justine Firnhaber-Baker about the fierce and fascinating Capetian dynasty, how they made medieval France, and how they changed the world.
2000 medieval coins discovered in France
French archaeologists have identified more than 2,000 medieval coins from four different caches in the city of Guérande, about 330 miles southwest of Paris.
The Battle of Bouvines (1214)
Philip Augustus, King of France, faced off against an alliance that included the Holy Roman Emperor, the King of England, and the leading nobles of the Low Countries. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss this important battle and how it changes Western Europe.
Fiery Joanna and the Siege of Hennebont in 1342
“And now you shall hear of the boldest and most remarkable feat ever performed by a woman.”
The Wild Variety of Medieval Names: French Men in the Hundred Years’ War
Lots of people are interested in the medieval origins of personal names. But there are more riches in the world of names than many of us realize.
