Where the Middle Ages Begin
When most people think of games and sports in the Middle Ages, chess and jousting probably come to mind. This book, and the exhibition on which it is based, reveal that medieval people enjoyed a much wider range of activities, including Snakes and Ladders.
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.
A medieval metalworking stamp found in Denmark may reveal where the Sutton Hoo helmet was made and reshape views of power in seventh-century Europe.
When most people think of games and sports in the Middle Ages, chess and jousting probably come to mind. This book, and the exhibition on which it is based, reveal that medieval people enjoyed a much wider range of activities, including Snakes and Ladders.
Two rare medieval coins minted to seek divine protection against Viking raids have been found in Denmark, where Vikings once wore them as jewellery.
Visitor numbers at Caerphilly Castle have risen following an £8 million restoration, as Cadw continues conservation work at Wales’ largest castle.
The medieval era features prominently in this edited volume, which examines several of the most important states to emerge in pre-modern Africa. Its nine studies span regions across the continent.
Discover the most popular names in medieval England, from William and Alice to Hugh and Cecilia, and learn about their origins and meanings.
Explore nearly two centuries of warfare between the Normans and the Byzantine Empire, from southern Italy to the Balkans.
Isotope analysis of a medieval cemetery reveals how Christian migrants helped shape Vilnius while Lithuania remained officially pagan.
The letters of Heloise reveal her enduring love for Abelard, remarkable learning, religious struggles, and experiences as a medieval woman.
Archaeologists have discovered a nearly three-metre-high medieval wall beneath Chester Castle, once part of a fortified thirteenth-century bridge.
Histories of medieval art usually focus on works made by and for Christians. This book instead explores art created by and for Jewish communities, revealing new perspectives on how people understood and experienced the medieval world.
This six-week course begins Friday, July 24th, with live sessions from 2:00-3:30 pm Eastern Time (Toronto/New York).
Discover five fascinating facts about the Fifth Crusade, from the siege of Damietta and military innovations to the Nile’s decisive role in its failure.
Explore 15 legendary places that shaped medieval maps, literature and beliefs about the distant and unknown parts of the world.
A newly identified Carolingian text written for Charlemagne offers insights into biblical interpretation, Islam and intellectual life at the emperor’s court.
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.
When most people think of games and sports in the Middle Ages, chess and jousting probably come to mind. This book, and the exhibition on which it is based, reveal that medieval people enjoyed a much wider range of activities, including Snakes and Ladders.
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.