Where the Middle Ages Begin
As the Hundred Years’ War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.
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.
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.
As the Hundred Years’ War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.
Why were the Vikings able to besiege Paris twice? Danielle Turner explores the political divisions, military strategy, and decisions that shaped these famous ninth-century attacks.
Discover how the Byzantine Empire defined orthodoxy, confronted heresy, and used councils, theology, and imperial power to defend Christian unity.
A fourteenth-century fresco in Florence’s Basilica of Santa Maria Novella has returned to public view after restoration, revealing new details of the medieval devotional image.
Relics in Antiquity and the Middle Ages is a six-week course starting on July 23rd, with live sessions on Thursdays from 1:00–2:30 pm Eastern Time (Toronto/New York).
For about 17 years, Twitter served as an important place for conversation and debate in the online world. This book examines how the medievalist community used the platform to exchange ideas, build connections, and engage in everything from friendly discussions to heated disputes.
What rules did knights follow at a medieval tournament? Explore the 1478 Bamberg regulations covering weapons, noble status, squires, clothing, and more.
Learn how medieval mariners measured time and distance at sea using lead lines, tides, lunar calculations, and memorised sailing directions.
Explore the medieval Mongol Empire through 248 rare artefacts in a new exhibition at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, revealing the life and legacy of Genghis Khan.
Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a well-preserved early medieval city in the Dakhla Oasis, complete with a church, homes, Byzantine coins, and hundreds of Coptic and Greek documents.
A beautifully illuminated fifteenth-century Book of Hours created in Bruges will be one of the highlights of Freeman’s third annual Western Manuscripts and Miniatures sale, taking place on 9 July.
Why did people go on medieval pilgrimages? Explore the dangerous journeys to Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela, from storms at sea to highway robbers.
Summer has arrived, and so has our biggest Medieval Studies Online Courses sale of the season! For a limited time, get 20% off any course — live or self-paced!
Did the Pied Piper legend begin with a real medieval tragedy? Explore the earliest accounts from Hamelin and the theories behind the mysterious disappearance of 130 children.
Discover how Byzantine emperors ruled as God’s representatives, shaping politics, religion, and imperial authority through the empire’s unique political theology.
A medieval manuscript containing part of Gaude Mater Polonia, one of Poland’s oldest hymns, has been returned to Poland after being displaced during the Second World War.
The Middle Ages were an age of innovation. Discover ten medieval inventions that transformed everyday life and helped shape the modern world.
How did Merlin become the Middle Ages’ greatest prophet? Learn about the origins, meaning, and influence of Merlin’s famous prophecies.
Explore the complex relationship between Frederick II and Islam, revealing how politics, science, and diplomacy shaped one of the medieval world’s most misunderstood rulers.
Why are the Middle Ages called the Dark Ages? Discover where the term came from, why it became popular, and why most historians avoid using it today.
How did Roman taxes become military service? David Bachrach explores the transition from the late Roman fiscal system to military obligations in the early Middle Ages.
The medieval world saw many kingdoms and states rise to dominate their regions, only to collapse and fade from memory. This book tells the story of one such realm—Alania—and traces its nearly 400 years of history.
A major Viking Age settlement discovered near Aarhus, Denmark, is revealing large-scale textile production, workshops, and links to medieval trade networks.
One of the most important surviving manuscripts of Arthurian literature is set to go under the hammer at Christie’s this July, carrying an estimated value of up to £2 million. Christopher Berard explores the medieval romances that gave shape to the stories of King Arthur, Lancelot, Merlin, and the Holy Grail.
For about 17 years, Twitter served as an important place for conversation and debate in the online world. This book examines how the medievalist community used the platform to exchange ideas, build connections, and engage in everything from friendly discussions to heated disputes.
As the Hundred Years’ War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.
A conversation with Christopher Bonura about the apocalyptic tradition of identifying the Four Kingdoms prophesied in the Book of Daniel. Which one was the Roman empire? The fourth, scheduled to fall with the others, or something that came afterward (a tradition sometimes called imperial eschatology)? Among other topics we discuss Eusebios of Caesarea and the reign of Herakleios as possible turning points in this tradition.
One of the pivotal battles of the Crusades, the Battle of Hattin was shaped by both brilliant strategy and disastrous decisions. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore how Saladin orchestrated a crushing defeat of the Crusader army, while also sharing insights into the film Kingdom of Heaven.
In the latest Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly answer questions about infantry vs cavalry in late medieval battles, will there be archaeological excavations at Hundred Years’ War battlefields, favourite centuries and what our hosts will be doing this summer.
A conversation with Jeremy Swist on the emperor Julian (361-363 AD) and how he tried to combine his love of philosophy with ruling the Roman Empire. We talk about why Julian continues to excite such passions, how in some ways he may have been more Roman than Greek, and how he read Roman history in light of the theurgical Neoplatonism that he espoused.
Charles the Bold was building his Duchy of Burgundy into a European power when he faced the Old Swiss Confederacy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Battle of Grandson, a key event of the Burgundian Wars.