Where the Middle Ages Begin
Medieval university life was anything but dull—freshmen endured brutal hazing rituals, public humiliations, and even bizarre traditions involving feces, all in the name of scholarly initiation.
Delve into the pivotal figures of the Middle Ages whose enduring legacies shaped the course of history. From visionary leaders and profound scholars to prolific writers and formidable warriors, these individuals left an indelible mark on medieval society.
Discover the 50 most significant events of the Middle Ages, spanning the years 500 to 1500.
Here are seven vivid facts about colour in the Middle Ages
In medieval times, many unique jobs, such as Ale-wife and Groom of the Stool, were essential but have since vanished. Discover these obsolete occupations and how historical changes led to their disappearance.
Are you wanting to talk more like someone from the Middle Ages? We have a list of 30 great sayings and proverbs that you can use in your conversations.
Have you wondered what a medieval king did on a typical day? Thanks to Christine de Pizan, we have an account of what daily life was like for King Charles V of France.
Some of our most popular phrases have a long history, including some that go back to the Middle Ages.
Want to know what kind of jobs there were in the Middle Ages? A unique source from the 15th century gives us some beautiful images of medieval people at work.
If you lived during the Middle Ages, what kind of things would you have? Here is a guide to some of the everyday items that a medieval person would have used or had.
Medieval university life was anything but dull—freshmen endured brutal hazing rituals, public humiliations, and even bizarre traditions involving feces, all in the name of scholarly initiation.
Many people first encounter the Middle Ages through video games. This book examines how these games incorporate familiar medieval tropes while simultaneously shaping new perceptions of the past.
Archaeologists working in St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche) in Gardelegen, Germany, have made an unexpected discovery: a small lead-bronze figurine of a monkey, buried beneath the medieval church for centuries.
A rare medieval scroll has been uncovered in the archives of Bar Convent in York, England, revealing new insights into devotional practices.
Martin Aurell whose works about the first Plantagenets were read by medievalists all over the world, has passed away at the age of 67.
Here are ten fascinating articles from the Royal Society’s journals that shed light on the Middle Ages.
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.
How did Rome, once the heart of a mighty empire, crumble into ruins by the end of the Middle Ages?
Ever feel like every other medieval king was named Henry? You’re not wrong. From warrior monarchs to excommunicated emperors, scholars, and even a blind Venetian conqueror, the Middle Ages had no shortage of Henrys—here’s a guide to sorting them out.
Did medieval men and women write about their love for one another? This book offers several texts and translations of real and somewhat fictional correspondence, showing that even in the Middle Ages the pen could open up the heart.
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.
Discover the tale of Sir Moriaen, the bold Black knight who defied medieval stereotypes and earned his place among King Arthur’s greatest heroes.
The British Museum has released its latest Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) Annual Report, revealing a record-breaking 74,506 archaeological discoveries made in the United Kingdom by the public in 2023.
For the first time in over 40 years, the Bayeux Tapestry will be removed from its display as part of an ambitious conservation and museum redevelopment project.
Here are 100 medieval words that have transformed over time—some in surprising ways!
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which means that sexy playlists are being created all over the world to help people communicate their steamiest and most heartfelt emotions – just like they did in the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Elizabeth Eva Leach about sexy medieval songs, who was singing them, and how they served as inspiration in the bedroom.
Explore the development of land warfare from 1000 to 1300. From the Eurasian Steppe to the Middle East and the kingdom of England, this course offers a sweeping panorama of military history during a crucial period in global history.
In 1408, King Sigismund of Hungary and Croatia created a chivalric order which would play an important role in efforts against the Ottoman Empire. This book contains the Latin text and English translation of the charter that set up this order.
The search for love—and the perfect romance advice—is as old as time. In the Middle Ages, women turned to The Distaff Gospels, a fifteenth-century collection of witty and often bizarre advice on love, lust, and marriage. Want to know your future husband’s name or keep your partner faithful? This medieval guide had answers
In 1425, London’s Guildhall Library was founded with funds from the will of Richard Whittington, the famous four-time Lord Mayor of London. Now, 600 years later, this institution—home to one of the world’s most significant collections of books on London history—is marking its anniversary with a year-long programme of talks, walks, and literary exhibitions.
A conversation with Sarah Bond about organized labor groups in the Roman Empire.
This book introduces the reader to monks and monasteries in medieval Europe, detailing the evolution of this important institution in Christianity. It explores how monasticism transformed over the centuries, adapting to different contexts and taking on diverse forms.
Florence’s famed Map Room in the Palazzo Vecchio has been fully restored after a meticulous three-year project, reviving its 16th-century maps, globe, and intricate wooden cabinets for visitors to experience both in person and online.
An inscription on one of the arm-rings from the Galloway Hoard may finally have been deciphered, offering fresh insights into the origins of this extraordinary Viking-Age treasure trove.
Many people first encounter the Middle Ages through video games. This book examines how these games incorporate familiar medieval tropes while simultaneously shaping new perceptions of the past.
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which means that sexy playlists are being created all over the world to help people communicate their steamiest and most heartfelt emotions – just like they did in the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Elizabeth Eva Leach about sexy medieval songs, who was singing them, and how they served as inspiration in the bedroom.
A conversation with Sarah Bond about organized labor groups in the Roman Empire.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Ann Zimo about the interactions between Muslims and Christians within the legal, political, and even spy networks of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Sverrir Jakobsson about what life in Iceland was like in the early Middle Ages, how it became linked to the kingdom of Norway, and how Iceland’s interactions with Europe changed after the Black Death.
A conversation with Paul Magdalino about the literary traditions and genres that Constantinopolitans developed to talk about the origins, history, cosmic importance, and superlative beauty of their city — the City.
Though they’re often overlooked, the dowager queens of Korea were the one of the most powerful legitimizing forces behind the throne. This week, Danièle speaks with Alban Schmid about how Korea was ruled in the late Middle Ages, its relationship to Ming China, and the power wielded by the women at the top.