Medieval Falconry with Yannis Hadjinicolaou
In the Middle Ages, falconry was one of the most popular pastimes across the known world. More than just a pleasant diversion in the countryside, it was a way to show status, education, sophistication, and leadership. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Yannis Hadjinicolaou about why falconry was so widely beloved, and such a popular metaphor for both love and power.
Football in Medieval England: Four Accounts
What was football like in the Middle Ages? Join us as we delve into four fascinating accounts from medieval England to uncover the origins and nature of this historic sport.
Chariot Race described in medieval poem
While chariot races are usually associated with Ancient Rome, they were still taking place long into the Middle Ages. A poem from the twelfth century gives us an exciting look at this sport.
Knattleikr: The Politics of the Viking Sport
A popular sport in the Viking Age, knattleikr could often be more than just a game.
How to have a good workout: lessons from the 16th century
Feeling the need to get in shape and exercise? It might be time to consult the 16th century writings of Sir Thomas Elyot on how to have a good workout.
Sports in Medieval London
Fitzstephen takes the time to show us medieval Londoners in all their human glory, enjoying themselves in the time they have off.
Come One! Come All! Medieval Tournament Announcements
Tournaments were the big-ticket events in the Middle Ages, attracting people from all walks of life to witness great spectacles of sport and entertainment. But how did tournament organizers spread the word?
The Modern World of a Medieval Sport
You might think that jousting went extinct after the Middle Ages, but it in fact enjoys a strong modern following.
Sport During the Byzantine Era
It is without question that chariot racing was the most celebrated sport event of the Byzantine era.
The Noblest of Sports: Falconry in the Middle Ages
The Noblest of Sports: Falconry in the Middle Ages By William H. Forsyth The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, New Series, Vol. 2,…
Horse-fights: the Brutal Entertainment of the Icelanders in the Middle Ages
For medieval Icelanders, horses were among the most important animals. It should come as no surprise, as they were used for transport, in pagan rites, eating, and also for sports.
Medieval Falconry: Birds and Lovebirds
The 5MinMedievalist talks to us about the popular medieval sport of falconry!
Did People Ice Skate in the Middle Ages?
How did medieval people pass the time during the coldest part of the year? I came across several instances of medieval people strapping on skates and taking a twirl (or a tumble!) on the ice. Here is how it all began!
Golf on the Rhine: On the Origins of Golf, with Sidelights on Polo
The purpose of this article is to show that this claim of Scottish origin is unsubstantiated and to bring to the attention of golf historians new source material which proves the continental origins of Scotland’s national game. A
Golf: The True History
Was Scotland the Birthplace of Golf?
Mathematical games in Europe around the year 1000
This paper addresses the question: which board games could Gerbert have played? There are also astronomical games.
The Importance of Parks in Fifteenth-Century Society
In this paper, my aim is to consider the role of parks in the fifteenth century.
Gambling and Gaming in the Holy Land: Chess, Dice and Other Games in the Sources of the Crusades
The article demonstrates that, for the Latin chroniclers, the most serious problem of gambling in the context of the crusades was its tendency to distract from the war effort.
Physical Education in the Early Middle Ages
The foundation of our modern gymnastics, including medical gymnastics, was established during the period from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, although the ideas upon which it was based had been in general use since Antiquity.
Women In The Medieval And Renaissance Period: Spectators Only
The particular concern in this paper is the involvement of women in sport during the Middle Ages and Renaissance period and, indeed, the analysis will examine this involvement as to woman’s role as spectator or participant.
Snow Castles and Horse Racing on Ice: Winter Fun in the Medieval North
Although the winters could be long and harsh in medieval Sweden, the people still found time to have fun and games.
The Study of Medieval Sports, Games, and Pastimes: A Fifteen-Year Reflection, 1988-2003
Although some noteworthy studies by trained medievalists appeared in the 1980s, 90s, and the beginning of the new century, especially from scholars working in medieval literature, they were only a beginning.
An ancient art, a long absence
Boxing was well known in the ancient era, and it has been popular in Europe since the 1700s, so why does it seem to have gone missing in the Middle Ages?