Did Pisa and Denia Form an Alliance in the Eleventh Century?
New research suggests a long-lost partnership between a Christian city and a Muslim taifa reshaped Mediterranean politics before the Crusades.
What if a Nightmare Foretold Your Death? The Strange Final Days of William Rufus
After a terrifying dream warns him of his sins, King William Rufus vows to change—only to be killed the next day in a mysterious hunting accident. A 12th-century poet tells the chilling tale.
New Medieval Books: Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford and Duke of Ireland (1362-1392)
This biography re-examines the life of Robert de Vere, the English nobleman best known as a childhood friend of Richard II. It investigates whether he truly deserved the reputation of a shameless sycophant that medieval chroniclers gave him.
The Medieval Invention of Political Community
Discover how medieval thinkers reshaped the concept of political community using ideas from Roman law, Christian theology, and Aristotelian philosophy—laying the intellectual foundations for the modern state.
Frederick Barbarossa with Graham Loud
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Graham Loud about how Barbarossa came to power, how he managed to reign supreme in both Germany and Italy despite some bumps along the way, and why he’s sometimes revered as a once and future king in Germany.
The Medieval Fiscal Revolution: How Kings Took Control of Money and Taxes
Discover how medieval kings transformed their realms through a “fiscal revolution” that centralized control over coinage and taxation, reshaping the foundations of state power.
Why the First Polish State Collapsed: An Environmental and Political Breakdown
A new study uncovers why Poland’s first kingdom—the Piast state—collapsed so quickly, linking slave trade wealth, ecological intensification, and political fragility. Archaeology, pollen records, and coin hoards reveal the state’s rapid rise—and sudden unraveling.
The Medieval Judicial Revolution: Royal Power and the Rise of State Justice
This article explores the so-called “judicial revolution” of the Middle Ages, showing how European monarchs reasserted control over legal systems and laid the groundwork for the modern state through centralized justice and royal authority.
Why Medieval Wars Were Fought: Power, Borders, and Sovereignty
Medieval wars weren’t always about religion or feudal duty—they were often about who had the right to rule and where. Beneath the surface of conflicts like England’s wars with Scotland and France were deeper struggles over sovereignty, territory, and the very shape of emerging states.
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.
Six Medieval States That Merged Peacefully
Not all medieval states were forged through war—some united through diplomacy, marriage, and mutual agreement. These six peaceful mergers strengthened kingdoms, expanded influence, and reshaped the political landscape of Europe.
Lucrezia Borgia’s Life in Ferrara: Marriage, Intrigue, and Scandal
In 1500, Lucrezia Borgia found herself once again a pawn in the ruthless game of power and politics. With two failed marriages behind her—one ending in murder—she was at the centre of a marriage negotiation that would test the strength of two powerful families: the Borgias and the Estes of Ferrara.
25 Medieval Women Who Ruled
Medieval history is filled with powerful women who ruled as queens, empresses, and sultanas, shaping kingdoms and empires despite the challenges they faced. From warrior rulers to master diplomats, these 25 medieval women defied expectations and left a lasting impact on history.
King Alfred’s Peace-Making Strategies with the Vikings
Explore how King Alfred’s peace-making strategies, from treaties to baptisms, reshaped Viking leaders into Christian rulers, ultimately transforming the fate of medieval England.
The Mailman Was a Spy: Espionage in the Medieval Islamic World
The medieval Islamic world wasn’t just ahead in literacy and urbanization—it also built one of history’s most sophisticated spy networks. From mail carriers who doubled as informants to queens and singing-girls gathering secrets, espionage was woven into the fabric of power.
Henry III with David Carpenter
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with David Carpenter about what people loved and loathed about Henry, how he managed to survive the rockiest moments of his reign, and the incredible architectural legacy he left behind.
New Medieval Books: The Anarchy: The Darkest Days of Medieval England
When King Henry I died in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the English throne, igniting a bitter struggle for power with his cousin Matilda. This book explores the ensuing civil war, known as The Anarchy, a turbulent period that plunged England into chaos and conflict.
The Year That Changed History: Three Pivotal Events from 751 CE
In 751, a siege, a coup, and a battle reshaped empires, redrew borders, and even introduced an invention that would change the world—here’s why this year deserves a place in history books.
How Did Medieval Dynasties Get Their Names?
Let’s explore how twenty of the most famous ruling families from the Middle Ages got their names.
New Medieval Books: Son of Prophecy
This biography of Henry Tudor delves into his ancestry, tracing his lineage across several generations before detailing his path to the English throne. The book places a particular emphasis on the Tudors’ Welsh heritage and connections.
New Medieval Books: Diary of a Black Jewish Messiah
This book presents a translation of a fascinating and highly unusual 16th-century text: the diary of a self-proclaimed Jewish leader—though he was likely a con artist—who traveled across Europe meeting with rulers as part of a scheme to wage war against the Ottoman Empire. Even after reading this diary, you may still find yourself questioning who this enigmatic figure truly was and what his ultimate goals might have been.
Battle, Betrayal, and Balliol: The Struggle for Scotland and the Battle of Annan
In the chaos of 14th-century Scotland, a band of exiled nobles known as the Disinherited rose against the odds, claiming a shocking victory at Dupplin Moor and crowning their leader, Edward Balliol, as king. But triumph soon turned to tragedy, as betrayal and a deadly December ambush unraveled their hold on the Scottish throne.
New Medieval Books: Oathbreakers
An exploration of the Carolingian Empire’s collapse into civil war, focusing on the pivotal Battle of Fontenay in 841. This decisive conflict reshaped the political landscape of Europe, leaving a lasting legacy.
Shadow Empires, with Thomas Barfield – Byzantium & Friends, Episode 124
A conversation with Thomas Barfield about a distinctive category of empires that he has proposed in a new book, Shadow Empires: An Alternative Imperial History.
