10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in May, which range from female spies to sea voyages.
Latest Posts
10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in May, which range from female spies to sea voyages.
New Medieval Books: Muhammad’s Military Expeditions
Between 622 and 632, the early Muslim community became involved in a series of military conflicts with rival Arabian groups and the Byzantine Empire. This book examines the military history of these encounters, “emphasizing them as a series of tribal incursions rather than religious missions.”
10 Cities That Fell Into Ruin During the Middle Ages
From Crusader strongholds to Silk Road capitals, discover 10 cities that fell from greatness during the Middle Ages, lost to time, disaster, and war.
New Online Course: Medieval Warfare in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia
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.
New Medieval Books: The Magic Books
Medieval people were interested in accessing secret knowledge like magic, divination and astrology. This book examines over 20 works from the period that deals with these topics, revealing what they say (and what they show) about these topics.
Viking Gold Arm-Ring Unearthed on the Isle of Man Declared Treasure
A new discovery is shedding light on the Isle of Man’s rich Viking heritage. A rare piece of Viking gold jewellery, unearthed earlier this year, has officially been declared treasure by the Isle of Man’s Deputy Coroner of Inquests.
Medieval Frontier Walls of Mongolia Reveal Surprising New Roles, Study Finds
New research reveals that Mongolia’s medieval wall systems served not only defensive purposes but also regulated trade, movement, and daily life on the frontier.
Conspiracy Theories and the Deep State, Now and Then, with Winston Berg
Winston Berg is a political scientist who studies modern American conspiracy theories about politics and the deep state; his dissertation studied the movement known as QAnon. Given our political moment, I thought it would be interesting to discuss with him the different contours and valences that conspiracy theories and deep state notions took in the east Roman polity and in the United States.
Scotland’s Only Free-Standing Round Tower Reopens to the Public
A rare medieval tower in Scotland has reopened to visitors after undergoing masonry inspections to ensure its stability. Orchardton Tower, a 15th-century structure located in the Dumfries and Galloway region, is now welcoming guests once more, offering a glimpse into noble life during the later Middle Ages.
The Copper Guardian: A Medieval Tale of Treasure Hunters and Curses
In a tale preserved from the 10th century, a man from Cairo sets out in search of treasure hidden deep in the mountains.…
Daily Life in the Medieval Home
Explore daily life inside a medieval home, from kitchens and chambers to workshops and power dynamics, based on records from late medieval York.
Medieval Infancy with Julie Singer
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Julie Singer about what medieval people thought about infancy in general, how literary children could be vehicles for truth and justice, and how even in the Middle Ages kids were known to say the darnedest things.
New Online Course: Introduction to Medieval Music
Step into the soundscape of the Middle Ages with our online course, Introduction to Medieval Music. Learn about chants and their use in the medieval mass, developments in musical notation and texture, instruments, styles, and composers.
De Valette’s Sword and Hat: New Evidence
A new study sheds light on the authenticity of Grand Master Jean de Valette’s sword and hat, revealing early written evidence and centuries of historical references to these iconic relics of the Great Siege of Malta.
Swim in the Sea Yourself: Twelfth-Century Insights on Experiential Learning
Discover how the 12th-century philosophical tale Hayy Ibn Yaqzan by Ibn Tufayl explores self-guided learning, critical thinking, and the power of experience—insights still relevant in modern education
Ancient Inequality: New Study Measures Wealth Gaps from Rome to Medieval Era
A new study compares income inequality in the Roman, Han, and Aztec empires—revealing that ancient societies were as unequal as today’s most divided nations.
The Medieval State: Kingdoms, Principalities, Communes, and Leagues Explained
The medieval world was politically diverse. From royal courts to self-governing cities and confederated leagues, power was expressed in many forms—often far from…
Ulfberht Sword to be Auctioned
A rare Viking Ulfberht sword from the 9th-11th century will be auctioned at TimeLine Auctions in June, with an estimated value of £15,000-£20,000.
Białowieża Forest: Europe’s Last Medieval Woodland?
Is Białowieża Forest truly Europe’s last medieval woodland? A look at royal hunts, historic laws, and wild bison reveals how this ancient forest preserves a living link to the Middle Ages.
Last Man Standing: Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, Prince of Powys
C.I. Leah previews his new book that examines the complex legacy of Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, the Welsh prince who aligned with England to preserve his power. Was he a traitor—or the last man standing in a fractured medieval Wales?
The Twenty Medieval Sieges of Constantinople
Discover the twenty medieval sieges of Constantinople, from early attacks by Avars and Arabs to the city’s final fall in 1453.
A History of the Popes Named Leo
From Leo I to the newly elected Leo XIV, this article explores the long and complex history of popes who chose the name Leo—revealing how each shaped the Catholic Church through reform, conflict, and legacy.
Philip Augustus vs. the Kings of England: A Medieval Power Struggle
Discover how Philip Augustus of France outmanoeuvred four English kings through diplomacy, war, and strategic alliances—reshaping medieval Europe in one of its most pivotal power struggles.
Why Medieval Europeans Were Bad at Swimming
Medieval Europeans weren’t known for their swimming skills—and there’s a surprising amount of evidence to show just how bad they were at it. From river shoves to tactical advice from Christine de Pizan, here’s what swimming looked like in the Middle Ages.
BooksAll posts
New Medieval Books: Muhammad’s Military Expeditions
Between 622 and 632, the early Muslim community became involved in a series of military conflicts with rival Arabian groups and the Byzantine Empire. This book examines the military history of these encounters, “emphasizing them as a series of tribal incursions rather than religious missions.”
New Medieval Books: The Magic Books
Last Man Standing: Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, Prince of Powys
New Medieval Books: Forgotten Vikings
New Medieval Books: History in Flames
New Medieval Books: The Romance of the Violet and Other Wager Tales from Medieval France
New Medieval Books: Marco Polo and His World
New Medieval Books: Merovingian Worlds
New Medieval Books: Annals of Winchester
Latest Podcast EpisodesAll posts
Conspiracy Theories and the Deep State, Now and Then, with Winston Berg
Winston Berg is a political scientist who studies modern American conspiracy theories about politics and the deep state; his dissertation studied the movement known as QAnon. Given our political moment, I thought it would be interesting to discuss with him the different contours and valences that conspiracy theories and deep state notions took in the east Roman polity and in the United States.
Medieval Infancy with Julie Singer
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Julie Singer about what medieval people thought about infancy in general, how literary children could be vehicles for truth and justice, and how even in the Middle Ages kids were known to say the darnedest things.
Prester John with Chris Taylor
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Chris Taylor about where the legend comes from, how it may have had a disastrous effect on the fifth crusade, and what Prester John has to do with the Fantastic Four.
The Federal Assault on American Research Universities, with Clifford Ando
A conversation with Cliff Ando about the revenue models of American research universities and the dangers to advanced research posed by the freezes recently placed on federal funding.
El Cid with Nora Berend
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Nora Berend about the real Rodrigo Díaz, the astonishing way his legend grew and changed over time, and how El Cid is still being used as a political tool in the modern world.
Royal Women of Sweden with Caroline Wilhelmsson
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Caroline Wilhelmsson about the royal women of Sweden, how they became queens, and how they exercised their power.