How Medieval Bishops Took Monastic Wealth to Pay Their Soldiers
Medieval bishops needed soldiers, but maintaining them came at a cost. David Bachrach explores how monastic wealth was used to support military households.
New Medieval Books: Crusader Principality of Antioch from Bohemond I to Bohemond III (1098-1161)
When it comes to the Crusader States, the Principality of Antioch is often overlooked. This book aims to correct that, offering an in-depth examination of its political history during the first six decades of its existence.
Byzantine Siege Weapons Discovered at the Battlefield of Manzikert
Archaeologists at Manzikert have uncovered 11th-century Byzantine ballista bolt heads linked to the siege that preceded the famous battle of 1071.
The Battle of Ramla: How Baldwin I Nearly Lost Everything
Baldwin I expected a minor raid at Ramla in 1102. Instead, the King of Jerusalem faced a powerful Fatimid army and one of his most disastrous defeats.
The Battle of Bosworth (1485)
King Richard III faces Henry Tudor in one of the decisive battles of the Wars of the Roses. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Bosworth and how the identification of its battlefield has offered new insights into how the fighting unfolded.
How One Battle Could Change the Medieval World
Discover why medieval battles could have enormous consequences, toppling rulers, reshaping kingdoms and changing the course of European history.
Medieval Clues Point to Lost Viking Battlefield
Medieval accounts may help identify Castle Hill in Devon as the long-lost site of the Battle of Cynuit, where Anglo-Saxon forces defeated a Viking army in 878.
How the Crusaders Turned Gaza into a Medieval Frontier Fortress
Gaza became a Crusader fortress that isolated Fatimid-held Ascalon and reshaped the medieval struggle between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and Egypt.
When Medieval Fighting Men Owed Service to More Than One Lord
How did Carolingian and Ottonian rulers manage fighting men who owed military service to more than one lord?
What Does Forest Management Have to Do with Medieval Warfare?
How medieval Normandy’s carefully managed forests supplied the timber needed to build warships, repair castles and produce weapons during the Hundred Years’ War.
New Medieval Books: Harald Hardrada
Perhaps the most famous figure of the Viking Age, Harald Hardrada led an eventful life that took him across much of the eleventh-century world. This book recounts his remarkable story while offering insights into the many lands and states through which he travelled.
Were Medieval German Soldiers Really Vassals?
David Bachrach challenges the idea that the milites of pre-Crusade Germany were vassals, revealing a diverse class of professional soldiers.
What Happened After the First Crusade? The Battle for the Coast
Italian fleets, sailors and siege engineers played an overlooked role in capturing the fortified coastal cities of the medieval Holy Land.
The Combat of the Thirty: Chivalry and Violence in the Hundred Years’ War
Discover how the Combat of the Thirty became a celebrated yet violent expression of medieval chivalry during the Hundred Years’ War.
How the Normans Fought the Byzantine Empire
Explore nearly two centuries of warfare between the Normans and the Byzantine Empire, from southern Italy to the Balkans.
The Fifth Crusade: 5 Fascinating Facts from the Forgotten Campaign
Discover five fascinating facts about the Fifth Crusade, from the siege of Damietta and military innovations to the Nile’s decisive role in its failure.
The Battle of Formigny (1450)
As the Hundred Years’ War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.
The Viking Sieges of Medieval Paris
Why were the Vikings able to besiege Paris twice? Danielle Turner explores the political divisions, military strategy, and decisions that shaped these famous ninth-century attacks.
How Roman Taxes Became Medieval Military Service
How did Roman taxes become military service? David Bachrach explores the transition from the late Roman fiscal system to military obligations in the early Middle Ages.
Medieval Helmet Hoard Found off Spain Wasn’t Roman After All
For decades, a cache of 43 helmets found off the coast of Spain was thought to be Roman. New research reveals they were part of a late medieval arms shipment dating to the 14th and 15th centuries.
More Numerous Than the Grains of Sand: How Byzantium Supported the First Crusade
Tens of thousands of crusaders crossed Byzantine territory on their way to Jerusalem. Marek Meško reveals how Byzantine logistics and supply networks helped make the First Crusade possible.
15 Medieval Warrior Women Who Led Armies and Defended Kingdoms
Meet 15 medieval warrior women who led armies, defended kingdoms, and resisted invaders during the Middle Ages, from England and France to Persia, China, and Japan.
The Battle of Hattin (1187)
One of the pivotal battles of the Crusades, the Battle of Hattin was shaped by both brilliant strategy and disastrous decisions. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore how Saladin orchestrated a crushing defeat of the Crusader army, while also sharing insights into the film Kingdom of Heaven.
The Medieval Anti-War Satire You’ve Never Heard Of
Medieval literature is often filled with heroic battles and noble knights. But one fourteenth-century poem turned war into absurd comedy, mocking the very idea of military glory.