Trees in the Middle Ages: The Good and The Bad
Explore the symbolic world of medieval trees—sacred lindens, deadly yews, and feared walnuts—in faith, folklore, and daily life
Latest Posts
New Biography Revives the Reputation of Æthelstan, the First King of England
A new biography of Æthelstan, released to mark 1,100 years since his coronation in 925, seeks to restore the early medieval ruler’s reputation as the first king of England.
Lost Medieval Painting Rediscovered at Hexham Abbey
Hexham Abbey in northern England has unveiled a lost medieval painting, thought to be part of the Dance of Death, using advanced imaging technology.
Trees in the Middle Ages: The Good and The Bad
Explore the symbolic world of medieval trees—sacred lindens, deadly yews, and feared walnuts—in faith, folklore, and daily life
Why a Benefice Did Not Make a Vassal in the Middle Ages
David Bachrach on why holding a benefice did not make someone a vassal in the Middle Ages, challenging long-held assumptions about feudalism and medieval society.
Lost in Translation: What the West Misunderstands About Byzantium
By Zoe Tsiami Byzantium often feels like a forgotten chapter in history, drifting between the grandeur of Rome and the vibrant Renaissance. For…
How Ancient Were the ‘Ancient’ Order of Assassins?
Discover the true origins of the medieval Assassins, from Hasan Sabbah’s capture of Alamut to the rise of a ruthless Ismaili state in Persia.
Medieval Scholar Called Out the Shroud of Turin as a Fake, Study Finds
A new study reveals that Nicole Oresme, one of the great minds of fourteenth-century France, denounced the Shroud of Turin as a fake decades before its famous 1389 controversy. His writings highlight both medieval skepticism and clerical deception.
Viking-Age Galloway Hoard Exhibition Opens in Australia
See the Galloway Hoard in Australia: over 100 Viking-age objects from Scotland, including gold, silver, and textiles, are now on display at Melbourne Museum.
Medieval Warship Reveals Secrets of Shipboard Artillery
New research on the medieval warship Gribshunden reveals its powerful artillery, offering insights into naval technology at the dawn of exploration.
Robert DeVere, Royal Favourite with James Ross
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with James Ross about the life of Robert de Vere – the infamous bff of King Richard II – his impact on the kingdom, and why it’s always worth taking a second look at the facts.
40 Cities That Had Different Names in Medieval Times
Discover 40 cities that went by different names in medieval times, from Constantinople to Istanbul and Danzig to Gdańsk. Explore why their names changed and how history shaped them.
Early Medieval Cross Discovered in UAE
A plaster cross dating back 1,400 years has been discovered on Sir Bani Yas Island, shedding light on medieval Christian life in the Arabian Gulf.
New Medieval Books: The Elder Futhark
At the dawn of the Middle Ages, one of Europe’s most important writing systems was the Elder Futhark. This book introduces this runic alphabet, exploring its symbols and how they were inscribed on rune stones and everyday objects.
Medieval Buildings Revealed by Summer Drought in England
In England, this year’s drought has uncovered medieval remains at Fountains Abbey and Mottisfont, where parchmarks reveal the outlines of vanished monastic halls and cloisters.
Viking Farm and Silver Treasure Discovered in Sweden
Archaeologists uncover a Viking farm in Sweden with 34 buildings, graves, and a unique silver treasure linking Scandinavia to the wider world.
Coins Reveal Medieval Economic Connections in Southeast Asia
Medieval silver coins with shared designs show how Southeast Asia’s economies were connected across vast distances, offering new insights into trade, politics, and cultural interaction.
Back to School Sale: Save 15% on All Our Online Courses in Medieval Studies
As the school year begins, it’s the perfect time to sharpen your knowledge of the Middle Ages! Medievalists.net is offering a Back to School discount of 15% off all our online courses.
Medieval Wisdom for Modern Politics
Explore 20 pieces of political wisdom from Francesco Guicciardini, a medieval statesman whose sharp maxims on power, ambition, and human nature remain strikingly relevant today.
New Medieval Books: The Unruly Tongue
How free should speech be? And what limits, if any, should restrain it? This question echoes across centuries—from modern debates to the turbulent politics of medieval Italy. This book examines the latter, revealing how words shaped power, conflict, and society in the city-states of medieval Italy.
Archbishop Albero of Trier: Master of Siege Warfare in Medieval Germany
Learn how Archbishop Albero of Trier used siege warfare to secure independence and reshape power in medieval Germany.
Ten Medieval Kings Who Died While Hunting
Discover ten medieval kings who met their end while hunting, from fatal falls to arrows gone astray, revealing the deadly risks of royal sport.
Medieval Fashion: How Clothing Defined Status and Power
Discover how medieval fashion reflected power and status in 13th-century England, from the luxurious wardrobes of queens to the livery of their servants.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail Returns to Doune Castle for 50th Anniversary Screenings
Celebrate 50 years of Monty Python and the Holy Grail with exclusive screenings at Doune Castle, the medieval filming location of the comedy classic.
The Age of Bede: How a Monk Shaped Early Medieval England
Discover how the Venerable Bede, a Northumbrian monk, shaped the history of early medieval England through his Ecclesiastical History and lasting influence.
BooksAll posts
New Biography Revives the Reputation of Æthelstan, the First King of England
A new biography of Æthelstan, released to mark 1,100 years since his coronation in 925, seeks to restore the early medieval ruler’s reputation as the first king of England.
New Medieval Books: The Elder Futhark
New Medieval Books: The Unruly Tongue
New Medieval Books: Black Knights
New Medieval Books: The Wilted Lily
Faith Tibble and the Crown of Thorns: Rethinking a Medieval Icon
‘The Chola Tigers’: A New Historical Novel Set in Medieval India
New Medieval Books: The Deeds of the Neapolitan Bishops
New Medieval Books: Henry III: Reform, Rebellion, Civil War, Settlement, 1258-1272
Latest Podcast EpisodesAll posts
Robert DeVere, Royal Favourite with James Ross
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with James Ross about the life of Robert de Vere – the infamous bff of King Richard II – his impact on the kingdom, and why it’s always worth taking a second look at the facts.
Joan of Arc with Deborah McGrady
Maid, hero, heretic, saint – Joan of Arc is one of the most fascinating figures of the Middle Ages. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Deborah McGrady about Joan’s incredible life and death, her voice, and her complex and enduring legacy.
Medieval Love Letters with Ad Putter and Myra Stokes
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Myra Stokes and Ad Putter about where we find love letters, and the way people wrote and sent them, along with a couple of spicy – and hilarious – examples.
Marco Polo and his World with Sharon Kinoshita
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Sharon Kinoshita about why Marco travelled so far, what sort of detail he wanted to share with his readers, and what was going on in the world around him.
The Renaissance and Byzantium are characters in the same play, with Ada Palmer
A conversation with Ada Palmer about the invention of the idea of the Italian Renaissance and the functions that it serves in the western historical imagination. “Byzantium” is a similarly invented category that often works in tandem with “the Renaissance” to mark good and bad moments in the history of culture.
The Medieval Podcast: Episode 300!
This week, in celebration of Episode 300, Danièle answers your questions on everything from Hastings to hose, with a couple of surprises along the way.