When Russian archaeologists uncovered a piece of birchbark in 1951, they stumbled upon a remarkable glimpse into the everyday lives of medieval people.
Can age and experience triumph over youth and raw strength in combat sports? Drawing on wisdom from Renaissance fencing masters and modern martial arts, this article explores how the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight mirrors centuries-old debates on the limits of athleticism and honour.
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.
Although the Persian Gulf was not as prosperous or influential in the Middle Ages as it is today, the region boasts a fascinating history. This book delves into its communities, exploring their ethnic and religious dynamics alongside their trade activities.
Even in the Middle Ages, people turned to their horoscopes for guidance. This 15th-century astrology guide reveals advice for everyday life, from what…
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.
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.
The English government under King Henry III faced significant political turmoil as tensions between the crown and the nobility escalated. This book delves into how these clashes culminated in a crisis and explores their broader implications for the course of English history.
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.
