The Mailman Was a Spy: Espionage in the Medieval Islamic World
The medieval Islamic world wasn’t just ahead in literacy and urbanization—it also built one of history’s most sophisticated spy networks. From mail carriers who doubled as informants to queens and singing-girls gathering secrets, espionage was woven into the fabric of power.
New Medieval Books: Saints and Sinners on Horseback, Volume II
Saints and Sinners on Horseback, Volume II Edited by Miriam A. Bibby Trivent Publishing ISBN: 978-615-6696-29-8 This book presents seven essays exploring the…
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.
Medieval University Life Was Rough—Just Ask the Freshmen
Medieval university life was anything but dull—freshmen endured brutal hazing rituals, public humiliations, and even bizarre traditions involving feces, all in the name of scholarly initiation.
New Medieval Books: The Middle Ages In Computer Games
Many people first encounter the Middle Ages through video games. This book examines how these games incorporate familiar medieval tropes while simultaneously shaping new perceptions of the past.
10 Medieval Articles from the journals of the Royal Society
Here are ten fascinating articles from the Royal Society’s journals that shed light on the Middle Ages.
New Medieval Books: The Anarchy: The Darkest Days of Medieval England
When King Henry I died in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the English throne, igniting a bitter struggle for power with his cousin Matilda. This book explores the ensuing civil war, known as The Anarchy, a turbulent period that plunged England into chaos and conflict.
How Rome Became Ruined in the Middle Ages
How did Rome, once the heart of a mighty empire, crumble into ruins by the end of the Middle Ages?
The Many Henrys of the Middle Ages
Ever feel like every other medieval king was named Henry? You’re not wrong. From warrior monarchs to excommunicated emperors, scholars, and even a blind Venetian conqueror, the Middle Ages had no shortage of Henrys—here’s a guide to sorting them out.
New Medieval Books: Medieval Love Letters
Did medieval men and women write about their love for one another? This book offers several texts and translations of real and somewhat fictional correspondence, showing that even in the Middle Ages the pen could open up the heart.
The Year That Changed History: Three Pivotal Events from 751 CE
In 751, a siege, a coup, and a battle reshaped empires, redrew borders, and even introduced an invention that would change the world—here’s why this year deserves a place in history books.
Sir Moriaen: The Black Knight of Arthurian Legend
Discover the tale of Sir Moriaen, the bold Black knight who defied medieval stereotypes and earned his place among King Arthur’s greatest heroes.
100 Medieval Words That Meant Something Totally Different
Here are 100 medieval words that have transformed over time—some in surprising ways!
Sexy Medieval Songs with Elizabeth Eva Leach
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which means that sexy playlists are being created all over the world to help people communicate their steamiest and most heartfelt emotions – just like they did in the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Elizabeth Eva Leach about sexy medieval songs, who was singing them, and how they served as inspiration in the bedroom.
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: Charter of the Order of the Dragon
In 1408, King Sigismund of Hungary and Croatia created a chivalric order which would play an important role in efforts against the Ottoman Empire. This book contains the Latin text and English translation of the charter that set up this order.
Medieval Love Hacks: Romance Advice from The Distaff Gospels
The search for love—and the perfect romance advice—is as old as time. In the Middle Ages, women turned to The Distaff Gospels, a fifteenth-century collection of witty and often bizarre advice on love, lust, and marriage. Want to know your future husband’s name or keep your partner faithful? This medieval guide had answers
Labor organizations and collective action, with Sarah Bond
A conversation with Sarah Bond about organized labor groups in the Roman Empire.
New Medieval Books: The Monastic World
This book introduces the reader to monks and monasteries in medieval Europe, detailing the evolution of this important institution in Christianity. It explores how monasticism transformed over the centuries, adapting to different contexts and taking on diverse forms.
New Medieval Books: The Church of St. Polyeuktos at Constantinople
Built in the 6th century, the Church of St. Polyeuktos was once the largest church in Constantinople. This book tells the story of this building and its rediscovery in the 1960s.
The Neglected History of Slavery in the Middle Ages
While often overlooked, slavery persisted throughout the Middle Ages, shaping economies, societies, and cross-cultural trade in ways that challenge traditional historical narratives.
Romance and Music in the Middle Ages: The Love Songs of Peter Abelard
Peter Abelard and Heloise’s love story is one of the most famous romances of the Middle Ages, but beyond their passionate letters, Abelard also expressed his devotion through music.
Why Being a Medieval Priest Wasn’t as Easy as You Think
Here are a few drawbacks to being a medieval priest.
New Medieval Books: What is Better than a Good Woman?
Alice Chaucer may not have come from nobility, but through a series of marriages she was able to build herself into a powerful figure in 15th-century England. This biography tells her story.