Over 110,000 Medieval Manuscripts May Have Been Copied by Women
A new study reveals medieval women copied over 110,000 manuscripts—far more than once believed.
Latest Posts
Over 110,000 Medieval Manuscripts May Have Been Copied by Women
A new study reveals medieval women copied over 110,000 manuscripts—far more than once believed.
Medieval Bishop’s Ring Discovered in England Heads to Auction
A rare medieval bishop’s ring, dating from the late 12th or early 13th century, is set to be auctioned at Noonans Mayfair on March 26, 2025. Discovered in the village of Shipdham, located in Norfolk, eastern England, the gold ring, adorned with its original gemstones, is expected to fetch between £15,000 and £18,000.
The Angel of Le Lude: The Middle Ages’ Largest Bronze Statue
The Angel of Le Lude is a remarkable sculpture bridging the gap between medieval artistry and early Renaissance innovation. Created in 1475 by Jean Barbet, a master bronze founder from Lyon, this monumental work stands at 110 cm tall and is the largest known bronze statue of the Middle Ages.
Medieval Blacksmithing Workshop Uncovered in Southern France
Archaeologists have uncovered buildings linked to a medieval forge in the town of Foix, located in the Ariège region of southern France. The excavation, conducted by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap), is shedding new light on the town’s urban development and its historical role in ironworking.
New Medieval Books: Swahili Worlds in Globalism
This book explores medieval East Africa and its integration into the vast trade networks of the Indian Ocean. It sheds light on the movement of people and goods, offering insight into the interconnected world of the ‘Global Middle Ages’.
Medieval Spain in Modern Media: Games, Shows, and Stories that Bring the Past to Life
How often do you think about medieval Spain? For many, the answer is often—though as it turns out, it is not only scholars but also gamers, readers, and streamers who have turned this historical period into their “Roman Empire.”
25 Things from Everyday Life in the Middle Ages
What everyday objects did people use in the Middle Ages? From clothing and household necessities to tools for work and warfare, these 25 medieval items were essential to daily life and shaped how people lived, ate, and survived.
Excavations at the Danevirke: Preparing for a New Era of Visitor Engagement
Archaeologists are once again uncovering the secrets of the Danevirke, one of the most significant fortification systems of the early medieval period, as preparations continue for the development of the Danevirke Archaeological Park.
Inside Eleanor de Montfort’s Lavish Medieval Wardrobe
In the 13th century, noblewomen like Eleanor de Montfort used fashion to display power, status, and wealth. From rich wool and fine linen to opulent furs and intricate accessories, her medieval wardrobe was a statement of prestige and influence.
Medieval Burials and Sheffield’s Lost Castle Win Big at the 2025 Current Archaeology Awards
The winners of the 2025 Current Archaeology Awards have been announced, celebrating outstanding contributions to the field. This year’s top honours included Crypt: Life, Death, and Disease in the Middle Ages and Beyond by Alice Roberts for Book of the Year, and the excavation of Sheffield Castle for Rescue Project of the Year.
To Miklagarðr and back again: Varangians return from Constantinople, with Sverrir Jakobsson
A conversation with Sverrir Jakobsson about the experiences of Northmen — especially Varangians — who traveled to Constantinople and the south and returned home with stories, swords, riches, and prestige.
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.
New Medieval Books: The Romance of Mont St. Michel
In the mid-twelfth century, Guillaume de St. Paier decided to write a history of the famous abbey of Mont St.Michel in verse. This book offers the first complete translation of this text which relates the miracles and legends associated with this monastery.
The Crusades: A Very Brief History, 1095-1500
Between the mid-11th and late-15th centuries, a historically specific configuration of material and ideational factors gave rise to a constellation of religious wars now known as “the Crusades.”
The Kidnapping Scandal at Amesbury Priory
In 1400, a monastic power struggle at Amesbury Priory took a shocking turn when the ousted prior hired a gang to kidnap the prioress. What followed was a scandal of betrayal, lawsuits, and royal intervention—one of the wildest church disputes of the Middle Ages.
New Medieval Books: Cross-dressing in the Middle Ages
Whether it’s Joan of Arc donning armor or women disguising themselves as monks to enter monasteries, gender-crossing attire appears in medieval history more often than you might expect. This book explores the subject in depth.
Buddhist Poet-Monks in Medieval China with Thomas J. Mazanec
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Thomas J. Mazanec about the Buddhist poet-monks of medieval China, why they chose to write poetry, and why their art was so controversial.
Explore Medieval Fashion at Swedish Museum
The Swedish History Museum is offering visitors a unique glimpse into medieval fashion with its ongoing exhibition, Medieval Fashion.
How to Make Medieval Soap: A 14th-Century Recipe You Can Try
Discover how medieval artisans crafted their own soap with this detailed 14th-century recipe, straight from a rare medieval manuscript.
Medieval Children’s Graves Found Beneath a Lost Church in Germany
Beneath a German parking lot, archaeologists have uncovered the forgotten remains of a medieval church—and a heartbreaking burial site of at least 30 children. The discovery sheds light on a little-known medieval burial practice meant to safeguard unbaptized souls.
New Medieval Books: Vikings, Half-Trolls and Saga-Authors
Medieval Icelanders had a deep fascination with their ancestors, a theme vividly reflected in the sagas they wrote. This book explores four sagas set in Iceland’s early days, examining how these stories were preserved and passed down through generations.
10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in February, which range from plague in Baghdad to the inquisition in Bologna.
Medieval Dye Plants Discovered in Belgium for the First Time
Archaeologists in Belgium have uncovered traces of weld, madder, and woad—the three primary dye plants used in medieval textile production—during excavations in Brussels and Mechelen.
Medieval Bible Returns to Salisbury Cathedral After Nearly 800 Years
The Sarum Master Bible, a rare and exquisitely illuminated 13th-century manuscript, has returned to Salisbury Cathedral in England nearly 800 years after it was created.
BooksAll posts
New Medieval Books: Swahili Worlds in Globalism
This book explores medieval East Africa and its integration into the vast trade networks of the Indian Ocean. It sheds light on the movement of people and goods, offering insight into the interconnected world of the ‘Global Middle Ages’.
New Medieval Books: The Romance of Mont St. Michel
New Medieval Books: Cross-dressing in the Middle Ages
New Medieval Books: Vikings, Half-Trolls and Saga-Authors
New Medieval Books: Waltharius
New Medieval Books: Annals of Tewkesbury
New Medieval Books: This Earthly Globe
New Medieval Books: The Art of Medieval Falconry
New Medieval Books: Saints and Sinners on Horseback, Volume II
Latest Podcast EpisodesAll posts
To Miklagarðr and back again: Varangians return from Constantinople, with Sverrir Jakobsson
A conversation with Sverrir Jakobsson about the experiences of Northmen — especially Varangians — who traveled to Constantinople and the south and returned home with stories, swords, riches, and prestige.
Buddhist Poet-Monks in Medieval China with Thomas J. Mazanec
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Thomas J. Mazanec about the Buddhist poet-monks of medieval China, why they chose to write poetry, and why their art was so controversial.
How to Live Like a Monk in Stressful Times – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 280
It’s safe to say that this moment in history is proving to be a stressful one, leaving many of us feeling anxious and…
The Siege of Belgrade (1456)
The Ottoman Empire, led by Mehmed II, clashes with Hungarian and Serbian forces under John Hunyadi. In this episode of Bow & Blade, we examine the first of two sieges that took place in Belgrade.
A conversation with Johanna Hanink on Greek literature, on publishing in a new field, and on podcasting
A conversation with Johanna Hanink on Greek literature (ancient, modern, and in-between), on publishing outside one’s main area of academic expertise, and on podcasting.
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.