The population of the crusader states was not representative of normal demographics. Perhaps ironically, for societies with a heavily religious foundation, a disproportionate number of those who came to the crusader states were criminals.
How is the Papacy structured? This book delves into the intricate government and administration of the Papacy and Vatican City, tracing many of its foundational elements back to their medieval origins.
Experimenting, translating, and philosophizing about physics and metaphysics, biology and geology, two great thinkers from Central Asia stand out both for their achievements, and their completely opposite points of view. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with S. Frederick Starr about the work and the lives of Ibn Sina (aka Avicenna) and Biruni, their contributions to science and culture, and the reason they outright despised each other.
Imagine being accused of theft in 15th-century Denmark and forced to eat a piece of enchanted cheese to prove your innocence. Would you succeed—or would the bitter taste betray you? Such peculiar rituals weren’t uncommon in the Middle Ages, where magic intertwined with daily life, offering unusual solutions to everyday problems like theft.
A new study reveals how medieval English queens used gift-giving as a powerful tool to secure alliances and demonstrate authority. From Margaret of Anjou’s lavish gold cups to Elizabeth of York’s symbolic gestures, the research uncovers the political and social significance behind these royal acts of generosity.
Medieval historians have often downplayed how the First Pandemic, also known as the Justinianic Plague, affected Britain. A new study is challenging this notion, and even suggests that the plague may have struck the British Isles at least twice.
Hidden away for centuries in a Transylvanian church tower, a forgotten medieval library has come to light, revealing treasures as old as the 9th century. This extraordinary discovery of manuscripts, books, and documents offers a rare glimpse into the intellectual and cultural life of medieval Romania.
A fragment of a 10th-century Viking sword, the first of its kind discovered in the Netherlands, has been unearthed near the Frisian town of Witmarsum. This remarkable find, a pommel cap that once adorned the hilt of a sword, offers new insights into the Viking Age and the pivotal role Frisia played as a hub in the Norse world.
The Magna Carta, sealed in 1215, was born out of rebellion, as England’s barons forced King John to curb his abuses of power. Here is a complete translation of this important medieval document.
This translation of a 13th-century cookbook delves into the rich culinary traditions of Andalusian and North African cuisine. Featuring 480 recipes, it guides you through preparing meat and vegetarian dishes, crafting breads and pastries, and exploring the fascinating world of medieval food.
What do a half-man, half-horse archer and a seductive half-fish siren have in common? In medieval art, they engage in an eternal struggle, symbolising the battle between vice and virtue.
Owning a warhorse was more than a necessity for medieval knights—it was a symbol of their status and a critical asset in battle. England’s warrior aristocracy had multiple avenues to secure these prized animals, ranging from bustling horse fairs to deals with foreign merchants and independent traders.
