Uncovering Rungholt: Secrets of a Lost Medieval Town in the North Sea
Beneath the tidal flats of the North Sea lie the remnants of Rungholt, a medieval town lost to a storm in 1362. Recent discoveries are shedding light on its wealthy past and the fragile balance between human ambition and nature’s power.
Who Lived in Early Medieval Flanders? DNA Reveals the Answer
Who lived in Flanders during the 7th century, and where did they come from? New DNA research from Merovingian graves in Koksijde has uncovered surprising insights into the region’s diverse ancestral origins.
New York University hosts exhibition on Islamic Spain
Running until March 2, 2025, this is the first U.S. exhibition dedicated to the magnificent palace-city of Madinat al-Zahra, built near present-day Córdoba, Spain.
Björn Weiler passes away
Björn Weiler, a Professor of History at Aberystwyth University, and a leading scholar of medieval European political history, has passed away.
A Medieval Great Helm, a Terracota Horse, and Odin’s Head go up for auction
Apollo Art Auctions is holding its Ancient Art and Antiquities auction on Sunday, November 18th. Dozens of medieval items will be going up for bid. Here are a few of the featured items going up for sale.
King Arthur’s Hall is 5,500 years old, study finds
A historic site in Cornwall linked to King Arthur has been found to be 5,500 years old, which is 4,000 years older than previously thought. Known as King Arthur’s Hall, it has long believed to an important historic monument.
Call for Papers: 4th International Conference on the Military History of the Mediterranean Sea
The 4th International Conference on the Military History of the Mediterranean Sea will be held by Ibn Haldun University, University of Ioannina and Hellenic Historical Society in Ioannina, Greece, on 9-11 June 2025.
Medieval Manuscript sells for €4.5 million
The National Library of Luxembourg has purchased Giant Bible of St. Maximin for €4.5 million. Created in the later years of the 11th century, this medieval manuscript was previously held in a private collection.
Reviving a Medieval Masterpiece: Donatello’s Gattamelata Restoration Begins
Donatello’s iconic equestrian statue of Gattamelata, a pioneering medieval masterpiece, has just begun a long-awaited restoration in Padua. Supported by international organizations, this project aims to preserve the statue’s beauty and structural integrity for future generations.
Medieval Nubian Fashion Brought to Life
Recreating history through fashion, researchers have revived the majestic attire of medieval Nubian royalty and clergy, showcased for the first time at the Louvre in Paris.
Medieval Frescoes Discovered in Slovakia
In a surprising revelation, medieval frescoes have been uncovered in the Slovakian village of Sása. The frescoes were found in the sacristy of the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, which was constructed in the 13th century.
Tudor Sailors’ Bones Reveal Link Between Handedness and Bone Chemistry
A groundbreaking study on the skeletal remains from the 16th-century English warship Mary Rose suggests that a person’s dominant hand could influence changes in collarbone chemistry as they age.
Viking Burial Ground Unearthed in Sweden
What began as a routine excavation for a Stone Age settlement has led to the discovery of a massive Viking Age burial ground in Tvååker, in southwest Sweden.
Medieval DNA Reveals Skeleton’s Link to Norse Saga
A passage in the Sverris Saga, an 800-year-old Norse account, describes a military raid in 1197 during which a body was thrown into a well at castle in Norway. Now, a new study published in iScience has brought this tale to life, as researchers have used ancient DNA to corroborate the saga and uncover details about the so-called “Well-man.”
Astrophysicists Solve Mystery of 12th-century Supernova
In 1181, a new star shone near the Cassiopeia constellation for six months before disappearing. This event was recorded as a “guest star” by Chinese and Japanese observers, with several adding interesting details.
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words opens at the British Library
The British Library has opened a major exhibition: Medieval Women: In Their Own Words. Running until March, it brings together over 140 rare items that reveal the untold stories of medieval women, showcasing their achievements across various spheres of life, from religion and politics to literature and healthcare.
Two medieval cities discovered in the mountains of Central Asia
The first-ever use of drone-based lidar technology in Central Asia has allowed archaeologists to uncover two significant medieval trade cities in Uzbekistan’s mountainous…
Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins in Chinese Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) presents Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins in Chinese Art, an exhibition that explores supernatural beings in Chinese culture through paintings and sculptures. Running until January 20, 2025, the display highlights creatures that cause havoc or serve as protectors against evil forces.
Norman Conquest Coin Hoard sells for £4.3 million
A remarkable hoard of 2,584 silver coins, dating from the Norman Conquest of England, has been acquired for £4.3 million. This treasure offers rare insight into a pivotal moment in medieval history, reflecting the transition from English to Norman rule in 1066.
Jinty Nelson passes away
Jinty Nelson, an Emerita Professor of Medieval History at King’s College London, has passed away at the age of 82.
Armenia’s oldest church discovered
Archaeologists from Germany and Armenia have made a remarkable discovery in the ancient Armenian city of Artaxata: the remains of a previously unknown early Christian church.
Medieval Pits Unearthed in Northern England
A significant archaeological discovery has been made beneath the cobbled streets of Richmond’s market place in North Yorkshire, England, during resurfacing works, revealing medieval pits containing bones, clothing, and remnants of past life.
Vikings and Indigenous North Americans: New Walrus DNA Study Reveals Early Arctic Encounters
New DNA research reveals that Norse Vikings ventured into the High Arctic centuries ago, meeting Indigenous Arctic peoples and navigating treacherous waters to harvest walrus ivory.
Ashmolean Museum aims to purchase Fra Angelico masterpiece
The Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford is urgently raising funds to purchase a painting of the Crucifixion by Renaissance master Fra Angelico, created in the 1420s. The museum has until 29 October to raise £4,481,000 to buy the painting, otherwise it will be sold to a private owner outside the United Kingdom.
‘Little Sword’: Denmark’s oldest runes found on knife blade
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered a small knife inscribed with the country’s oldest runic inscription, hirila, meaning ‘Little Sword’. Dating back nearly 2,000 years, it is now on display at Museum Odense.