#medieval-history

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fromMedievalists.net
2 days ago

Joan of Arc with Deborah McGrady - Medievalists.net

Joan of Arc embodied roles as maid, military leader, accused heretic, and later saint, leaving a complex and enduring cultural legacy.
fromOpen Culture
5 days ago

Why Knights Fought Snails in Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts

Theories abound regarding why snails were often depicted as formidable foes in medieval manuscripts, with suggestions that they represented the rival Germanic Lombards who had invaded Italy.
History
History
fromMedievalists.net
1 week ago

'The Chola Tigers': A New Historical Novel Set in Medieval India - Medievalists.net

The Chola Tigers, sequel to Legend of Suheldev, is released by HarperCollins India in August, focusing on Emperor Rajendra Chola's retaliation against Ghazni.
#archaeology
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

Medieval Cemetery with Over 470 Graves Discovered in France - Medievalists.net

A medieval cemetery with over 470 burials has been discovered in Bourg-Charente, revealing key insights into the town's historical significance.
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

African Figurines Discovered in Medieval Graves in Southern Israel - Medievalists.net

Discovery of African figurines suggests a diverse Christian community existed in southern Israel 1,500 years ago.
#marco-polo
fromMedievalists.net
2 weeks ago
History

Marco Polo and his World with Sharon Kinoshita - Medievalists.net

Marco Polo's travels and writings significantly influenced medieval Europe’s view of Asia and its cultures.
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago
History

New Medieval Books: Marco Polo and His World - Medievalists.net

Marco Polo's journey and writings provide a vital glimpse into medieval Asia's cultural and commercial exchanges.
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

New Medieval Books: Marco Polo and His World - Medievalists.net

Marco Polo's journey and writings provide a vital glimpse into medieval Asia's cultural and commercial exchanges.
fromMedievalists.net
3 weeks ago

Matthew Paris: Was This Medieval Chronicler a Reliable Source? - Medievalists.net

Matthew Paris blended fact, rumor, and political messaging in his historical accounts.
#frederick-barbarossa
fromMedievalists.net
3 weeks ago

"A Noble Theme": Orderic Vitalis as a Historian of Crusade - Medievalists.net

Orderic Vitalis’s narrative of the First Crusade in the 1130s reveals how crusading narratives were shaped for monastic and regional audiences in medieval Europe, emphasizing the achievements of Norman figures.
History
fromWorldhistory
1 month ago

The Fortress Kingdom: The Wars of Aethelflaed and Edward the Elder, 899-927

Paul Hill provides a detailed and well-researched reminder that England was not merely imagined into existence or won by a single epoch-defining battle.
History
fromFlowingData
1 month ago

Medieval Murder Maps

The Medieval Murder Maps project provides a visual representation of homicide incidents during the Middle Ages, categorized by weapon and type, covering cities like London, York, and Oxford.
London music
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

New Medieval Books: Lionessheart - Medievalists.net

Joanna of England lived a life deeply entangled in the turbulent politics of the Angevin Empire, showcasing her journey from a princess to a powerful figure.
History
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

Caerphilly Castle Reopens After Major Medieval Makeover - Medievalists.net

Caerphilly Castle reopens following extensive conservation, featuring a restored Great Hall and improved accessibility with modern exhibits.
fromThe New Yorker
1 month ago

Remembrance of Scents Past

Tasha Marks, a scent designer, creates historical odors for museums to enable visitors to experience the past through smell, as seen at the British Library.
History
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

Royal Grief in Medieval Iberia with Nuria Silleras-Fernandez - Medievalists.net

Grief and widowhood significantly shaped the political influence of medieval Iberian queens.
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

Famous Last Words from the Middle Ages - Medievalists.net

William II of England, while hunting, shouted, "Shoot, you devil! Shoot, in the devil's name!" Just moments later, he was fatally struck by an errant arrow.
History
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

New Medieval Books: The Making of Medieval Central Europe - Medievalists.net

The entry of Central Europe into history defies straightforward assumptions; some connections will probably remain forever hidden behind the abyss of time, while for others, conjecture will have to suffice.
History
History
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

New Medieval Books: Annals of Margam - Medievalists.net

The book provides an accessible translation of the Annals of Margam, important for understanding Welsh and English history.
#jousting
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago
History

Medieval Rules for Jousting - Medievalists.net

King Alfonso XI established a formal code for jousting, introducing rules that governed knightly behavior and competition during medieval tournaments.
fromMedievalists.net
4 months ago
History

How Powerful Was a Medieval Lance Strike? Physics Students Do the Math - Medievalists.net

Jousting impacts deliver forces comparable to car crashes, with knights generating significant momentum and energy upon striking with a lance.
History
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

Uncovering Margaret Paston's Hidden Voice: How Forensic Linguistics Revealed a Medieval Woman's Authentic Words Through 500-Year-Old Letters - Medievalists.net

Forensic linguistics uncovers the authentic voice of Margaret Paston amid biases imposed by male scribes.
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

Strategic Rivals: How England and France Waged War in the High Middle Ages - Medievalists.net

Medieval kings survived through a mix of battlefield prowess, diplomacy, and financial acumen, rather than mere brute strength.
fromMedievalists.net
1 month ago

Did Medieval People Discover Dinosaurs? Rethinking Fossils in the Middle Ages - Medievalists.net

Medieval people might have encountered dinosaur fossils, but without the scientific context, these large bones could be interpreted through myth and theology.
History
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

Were there Conspiracy Theories in the Middle Ages? - Medievalists.net

Fully structured conspiracy theories were rare in the medieval world despite the existence of conspiracies.
Anti-Jewish sentiments often fueled conspiracy-like thinking during crises.
fromianVisits
2 months ago

How a Game of Thrones style penance walk led to murder on the streets of medieval London

"Evidence suggests that John Forde’s transition from being part of a crime gang to a lover of Ela Fitzpayne played a critical role in his eventual murder."
London politics
Online learning
fromOpen Culture
2 months ago

A Free Yale Course on Medieval History: 700 Years in 22 Lectures

The course offers a comprehensive overview of medieval history from 284-1000 AD, focusing on major events and themes.
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

New Online Course: The Normans in Europe - Medievalists.net

The Normans' journey from Viking roots to rulers of England and the Mediterranean showcases their transformative influence and cultural achievements in medieval history.
History
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

The Sword in the Stone and Other Legendary Blades of the Middle Ages - Medievalists.net

Medieval swords embody a blend of history and legend, showcasing both their practical importance and mythical significance.
History
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

Medieval London Murder Solved: Priest Killed by Noblewoman's Orders - Medievalists.net

The murder of John Forde highlights class tensions and aristocratic power struggles in 14th-century London, particularly involving Ela Fitzpayne.
fromArs Technica
2 months ago

Cambridge mapping project solves a medieval murder

The Medieval Murder Maps project reveals the dark connections between aristocracy and crime in medieval London.
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

Whipped till the blood comes': Jersey's shocking witch-hunting past is brought spectacularly back to life

Mont Orgueil served as a prison for accused witches in Jersey, highlighting the region's dark history of witch hunts.
Ballet d'Jerri's new production explores the theme of witches through contemporary dance, connecting history with performance art.
fromThe Washington Post
2 months ago

Just how bloody was medieval England? A 'murder map' holds some surprises.

Medieval London experienced high homicide rates, with affluent areas often being hotspots for violence.
History
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

New Medieval Books: Laywomen and the Crusade in England, 1150-1300 - Medievalists.net

The book examines the role of English women in encouraging men to join Crusades.
Identifying crusaders and supporters requires a nuanced understanding of what constitutes a crusade.
The Church played a vital role in mobilizing support for the Crusades through women.
History
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

Saint Thomas Becket with Michael Staunton - Medievalists.net

The struggle between Thomas Becket and Henry II exemplifies the church-state conflict in medieval England.
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

10 Cities That Fell Into Ruin During the Middle Ages - Medievalists.net

Medieval cities fell into ruin due to war, trade disruption, and disasters, highlighting the fragility of urban life.
Ten significant cities from 500 to 1500 showcase the rise and fall of urban centers.
History
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

New Medieval Books: The Magic Books - Medievalists.net

Medieval manuscripts reveal that magic, astrology, and divination were integral to culture and governance during this period.
fromMedievalists.net
2 months ago

Biaowieza Forest: Europe's Last Medieval Woodland? - Medievalists.net

Białowieża Forest represents an exception among European forests due to its preservation as a royal hunting reserve.
fromianVisits
3 months ago

The Tower of London's medieval palace reopens after revamp

The reimagined Medieval Palace at the Tower of London showcases historically accurate medieval decor and highlights the significance of medieval Queens like Eleanor of Castile.
London food
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

Prester John with Chris Taylor - Medievalists.net

A mysterious figure ruling at the fringes of the known world, Prester John might be the most famous person you've never heard of. Like a medieval Carmen Sandiego, Prester John was a man people searched the globe for, never quite catching up to him in the end.
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

Did Pisa and Denia Form an Alliance in the Eleventh Century? - Medievalists.net

The second reason for seeing the connection as a strategic pact between Pisa and Denia - and this is the circumstantial evidence - lies in the configuration of military actions across the eleventh century.
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

How to Behave Like a Civilised Man: Hygiene and Manners from the Middle Ages - Medievalists.net

Medieval etiquette and hygiene were highly valued, contradicting the stereotype of widespread filth and crude manners.
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

Medieval Man with Crippled Knee Offers Clues to Disability Care - Medievalists.net

Medieval individuals with disabilities received considerable care and were sometimes of higher social status than previously understood.
#magna-carta
fromNew York Post
3 months ago
Higher education

Harvard bought a cheap copy of the Magna Carta - but it's actually a rare original from the 13th century worth at least $21 million

fromwww.dw.com
3 months ago
Higher education

Harvard Magna Carta 'copy' is original, experts say DW 05/15/2025

Harvard Law School's document is an original Magna Carta version from 1300, not a copy, marking a significant historical find.
fromThe Washington Post
3 months ago
Law

In Harvard's archives, British scholars find a lost Magna Carta

A rare original of the Magna Carta was discovered at Harvard Law School, previously misidentified as a copy.
Higher education
fromNew York Post
3 months ago

Harvard bought a cheap copy of the Magna Carta - but it's actually a rare original from the 13th century worth at least $21 million

Harvard University owns an original Magna Carta manuscript mistakenly believed to be a copy, valued at nearly a million times its purchase price.
London
fromTheartnewspaper
3 months ago

Magna Carta 'copy' once sold at Sotheby's is an original, say UK professors

A manuscript once thought to be an unofficial copy of Magna Carta is now authenticated as a genuine version from 1300.
Higher education
fromwww.dw.com
3 months ago

Harvard Magna Carta 'copy' is original, experts say DW 05/15/2025

Harvard Law School's document is an original Magna Carta version from 1300, not a copy, marking a significant historical find.
Law
fromThe Washington Post
3 months ago

In Harvard's archives, British scholars find a lost Magna Carta

A rare original of the Magna Carta was discovered at Harvard Law School, previously misidentified as a copy.
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

El Cid with Nora Berend - Medievalists.net

The transformation of Rodrigo Díaz from a medieval mercenary to a legendary figure illustrates how storytelling can shape history and identity across centuries.
History
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

What if a Nightmare Foretold Your Death? The Strange Final Days of William Rufus - Medievalists.net

William Rufus ignored a prophetic nightmare foreshadowing his death, reflecting his troubled reign and turbulent relationships with those around him.
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

Mothers Who Weren't: Wet Nurses in the Medieval Mediterranean - Medievalists.net

Medieval societies closely regulated wet nursing practices, reflecting the intricate roles of mothers and caregivers in child-rearing.
Juventus
fromMail Online
3 months ago

Secret pope's palace built 1,000 years before the Vatican discovered

An ancient palace where popes lived before the Vatican was uncovered, revealing significant medieval history in Rome.
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

Medieval England's Road Network Mapped Using the Gough Map - Medievalists.net

The analysis reveals that almost a third of highlighted routes on the Gough Map date back to the medieval period, illustrating continuity from Roman infrastructure.
History
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

New Medieval Books: Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford and Duke of Ireland (1362-1392) - Medievalists.net

Robert de Vere's reputation as a shameless sycophant may be inaccurate, revealing a more complex character through in-depth analysis.
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

Royal Women of Sweden with Caroline Wilhelmsson - Medievalists.net

Exploring medieval queenship in Sweden reveals the power and influence of lesser-known royal women.
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

Violence, Wine, and Everyday Life: Crime in the Taverns of Medieval Dubrovnik - Medievalists.net

Taverns in late medieval Dubrovnik were centers for violent crime and social conflict, primarily patronized by men.
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Was Edited to Favour Harold, Study Finds - Medievalists.net

In all three scenarios, those annals were written some time after the alleged events they describe, and - in the case of /E and D - by chroniclers who were collaborating to create a narrative that had been purged of uncomfortable details.
History
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

More Than Makers of Swords: The Hidden Life of Medieval Blacksmiths - Medievalists.net

Blacksmiths were integral to medieval trade and innovation, not just as weaponsmiths for knights.
History
fromMedievalists.net
3 months ago

The Medieval Fiscal Revolution: How Kings Took Control of Money and Taxes - Medievalists.net

Kings regained control over coinage, establishing a monopoly to reflect and serve the community's interests.
fromMedievalists.net
4 months ago

How to Destroy Your Economy: The Case of Alfonso the Learned - Medievalists.net

Alfonso X's economic mismanagement and policy overreach led to his political downfall, highlighting the risks of centralized control.
History
fromMedievalists.net
4 months ago

New Medieval Books: Historians on Robin Hood - Medievalists.net

The book analyzes Robin Hood's legend, its origins, societal context, and impact on medieval culture through 16 scholarly essays.
History
fromMedievalists.net
4 months ago

Can We Build a Forest from It or Not? Investigating the Relics of the True Cross - Medievalists.net

Numerous churches claiming fragments of the True Cross led to skepticism about the authenticity of relics.
History
fromMedievalists.net
4 months ago

20 Brilliant Quotes from Medieval Kings and Queens - Medievalists.net

Medieval rulers demonstrated sharp intellect, wit, and philosophical insight through their reflections and quotes.
fromMedievalists.net
4 months ago

Medieval City Had Sophisticated Sanitation System Unmatched for Centuries, Study Finds - Medievalists.net

Córdoba's sewer network, built under the Umayyad Caliphate, showcased advanced urban hygiene that would not be surpassed in Europe until the 20th century.
History
fromMedievalists.net
4 months ago

Medieval Hospitals with Sarah Loose Guerrero - Medievalists.net

Hospitals were a critical institution in the medieval world, providing essential support to the sick, poor, and needy in their communities.
History
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