Learn what it takes to be a rogue from Abū Zayd al-Sarūjī, the legendary con man of Maqamat al-Hariri, as translated in Michael Cooperson’s Impostures.

Medieval history has been invoked in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This book brings together five essays examining how the medieval past has been used, interpreted, and contested in this modern conflict. It offers a valuable contribution to the study of medievalism and the politics of historical memory.

In ancient Rome, as throughout the ancient world, people's lives were structured around religious rituals and festivals, they prayed to the gods for guidance, and it was believed the gods even interceded on their behalf.  Theme: Religion in ancient Rome Gwynaeth McIntyre, 'Worshipping the imperial family - When religion meets politics'. Stuart McKie, 'Curse tablets in the Roman world - Hidden secrets of ancient magic'. Amber Gartrell, 'Roman worship of Castor & Pollux - The best of brothers'. Laurie Porstner, 'Watching over the family - Roman household gods'. Jen Baird, 'Religious life in Dura-Europos - One town, many faiths'. Features: Jeremy McInerney, 'Centaurs - Wildness and the Greek imagination'. Stephen Hodkinson, 'Classical Sparta - A militaristic society?'. Sem van Atteveld, 'The snail craze - Producing Tyrian purple'. Stephen Roberts, 'Hengistbury Head - A vibrant Iron Age settlement'. Philip Matyszak, 'Widowhood in ancient Rome - Wealth, love, and politics'. Ulla Rajala, 'Peopling the past - Experiencing the Jewry Wall Museum'.

During the Middle Ages, baptism was essential for salvation—but who could perform it? This article explores how the medieval Church balanced clerical authority with the necessity of emergency baptisms by lay people and midwives.

From Greek fire and Damascene steel to the glowing blue of Chartres Cathedral, many medieval inventions remain impossible to reproduce. Discover the lost technologies that continue to puzzle scientists and historians today.

From Tudor art to Renaissance medicine to self-betterment through Stoic virtues The books land on my doormat by the half dozen at the moment. That’s what this bit of the autumn is like. Some of these books I ordered months ago when I first heard about them. Some I didn’t order at all, but kind authors and diligent publicists send them my way.

The eight papers in this book were guided by the question: In the eyes of their makers and viewers, how were medieval images understood to assert or to resist forces of power?

What did people eat in medieval Europe? From papal kitchens to royal courts, two 15th-century sources reveal the favourite foods of Europeans—from cheese soup for the French to liver mash for Hungarians.

Explore how playing cards evolved from medieval Mamluk designs to modern games and divination tools.

In the Middle Ages, Paris stood at the heart of Europe’s luxury trade. Behind its grand churches and royal palaces was a bustling network of merchants, artisans, and aristocrats whose wealth shaped the city’s rise to prominence.

Which of my books would you like to see in Broken Binding format next? My friends at The Broken Binding have a new history imprint called Millennia Books.

As the Eternal City’s power waned, enemies closed in. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly delve into two devastating sieges of Rome — one led by the Goths, the other by the Vandals.