New Medieval Literature online course starts next week
We have a new online course starting on Tuesday, May 14th – for the next three weeks, you can learn about medieval literature through Beowulf, King Arthur and Robin Hood.
The Mad Norse King
What happens when the mental health of a medieval King of Norway declines into madness? The story of Sigurðr the Crusader, who reigned for over 25 years, provides a fascinating account of mental illness from the 12th century.
From Beowulf to the First Crusade: 10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten articles published in April, which tell us about topics including dealing with guests in Sweden to trade in Ethiopia.
New Medieval Books: Islam in Europe
A catalogue that showcased the exhibition ‘Islam in Europe’ held at the Sam Fogg gallery in London in 2023. It details over 60 items that were part of the exhibition ranging from ceramics to carpets.
The Murder of the Bishop of Acre in 1172
The murder of the bishop of Acre, however, which took place on the night of 29 June 1172, was something altogether more disturbing.
New Medieval Books: Knowing What We Know
A general history that examines how humans retain information and the changing technologies to help with this. While the medieval period only occupies a small part of this book, it does offer insights into how the invention of printing was an important milestone in this history.
How to Murder a Byzantine Emperor
An empire like Byzantium does not last for a thousand years without its own share of political intrigue. Here are three accounts of murder told by medieval chroniclers in vivid detail, in which the plot did not go as smoothly as the conspirators hoped but ultimately resulted in a new emperor on the throne.
Five Jokes about the Medieval Church
Could medieval people joke about religion? Poggio Bracciolini proves it to be true, and offers us five funny stories. In 1470 the Italian…
How did weather impact medieval battles?
It is a Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, with Michael and Kelly answering listener questions. In this episode, they talk about the impact of weather on medieval battles, how often did soldiers train, and why are there more sources about the Battle of Crecy (1346) than the Battle of Poitiers (1356).
New Medieval Books: Kalilah and Dimnah
A collection of over fifty short tales, originally from India and adapted to Arabic audiences in the 8th century. These entertaining morality tales have animals as the main characters, similar to Aesop’s Fables.
The Movie that Created a Medieval Myth
Modern movies rarely depict the Middle Ages accurately, and sometimes they get the period entirely wrong. However, one film managed to create a myth about a battle that persisted for decades.
New Medieval Books: Onomantic Divination in Late Medieval Britain
Onomancy is a type of divination to learn a person’s future based on their name. This book looks at how this magic became popular in the later Middle Ages.
Medieval Arthurian Literature with Kathy Cawsey and Elizabeth Edwards
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Kathy Cawsey and Elizabeth Edwards about the changing face of Arthur, the way his legend spread across the medieval world, and the ways in which storytellers adopted – and adapted – his myth.
Medievalists.net’s Featured Book: The Saga of the People of Weapon’s Fjord
The Medievalists.net Monthly Book Selection for May is The Saga of the People of Weapon’s Fjord, edited and translated by Jesse Byock and Randall Gordon.
Medieval T-Shirts, Mugs and More from Medievalists.net
We have teamed up with Teepublic to offer a collection of t-shirts, mugs, totes, phone cases, stickers and much more.
New Medieval Books: The Book of the Crown (Kitāb al-Iklīl) of Pseudo-Rhazes
The work offers a guide to a healthy life, offering advice on bathing, eating, sleeping and other day-to-day activities to help promote better living.
Medieval church building-boom took place in the 12th century, study finds
A recent study looking at the construction history of churches during the Middle Ages has found that a building boom took place in Western Europe during the 12th century.
New Medieval Books: Kassia the Nun in Context
This book profiles the life of Kassia, a ninth-century Byzantine aristocrat who spurned an emperor and became a nun and abbess. Her story tells us much about being a woman and a religious leader in Byzantium.
The County of Tripoli: A Forgotten Past
The silent alleys of Tripoli still retain their medieval charms. They tell the stories of glorious counts, chivalrous knights in shining armour, and fighting men of order.
New Medieval Books: From Genghis Khan to Tamerlane
A look at how the peoples and states of Central Asia and Persia coped with the Mongol invasions and conquests, ranging from the Ilkhanate to the Timurids. Includes an in-depth examination of the warlord Timur and his impact on the region.
The Mysterious Owl on the Cathedral Notre-Dame of Dijon
A look into a mysterious medieval carving at a French cathedral. Why was it put there?
Medieval Coins with Rory Naismith
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Rory Naismith about the complex world of medieval coins.
New Medieval Books: Beards and Baldness in the Middle Ages
Translations of three medieval texts: In Praise of Baldness, On Bald Men, and A Defense of Beards. It reveals that male grooming was indeed a thing in the Middle Ages.
Chariot Race described in medieval poem
While chariot races are usually associated with Ancient Rome, they were still taking place long into the Middle Ages. A poem from the twelfth century gives us an exciting look at this sport.
Why do we sleep? Scientific Questions Answered in the Sixth Century
The Byzantine philosopher Priscian of Lydia offers these answers to some common questions.