The Medieval Invention of Political Community 12:35 AM (6 hours ago)
Discover how medieval thinkers reshaped the concept of political community using ideas from Roman law, Christian theology, and Aristotelian philosophy—laying the intellectual foundations for the modern state.
10 Medieval Studies’ Articles Published Last Month 2 May 3:33 PM (15 hours ago)
What’s new in medieval studies? Here are ten open-access articles published in April, which range from a new look at Richard III to dog tricks in Byzantium.
Violence, Wine, and Everyday Life: Crime in the Taverns of Medieval Dubrovnik 1 May 4:32 PM (yesterday, 4:32 pm)
A look into tavern life in late medieval Dubrovnik reveals a world of wine, violence, and everyday crime, drawn from court records and social patterns.
Frederick Barbarossa with Graham Loud 1 May 4:18 AM (2 days ago)
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Graham Loud about how Barbarossa came to power, how he managed to reign supreme in both Germany and Italy despite some bumps along the way, and why he’s sometimes revered as a once and future king in Germany.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Was Edited to Favour Harold, Study Finds 30 Apr 4:21 PM (2 days ago)
New research reveals that key entries in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle were revised after 1066 to support Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne—while omitting events that could have undermined it.
Vikings and Violence: What Bones Reveal About Norway and Denmark 29 Apr 9:22 PM (3 days ago)
New research reveals stark differences in Viking violence between Norway and Denmark, uncovering patterns of brutal deaths, executions, and weapon use through the study of ancient bones and grave goods.
The Double-Headed Eagle in Byzantium: Myths and Realities 28 Apr 12:06 PM (4 days ago)
It’s a familiar image on church banners and tourist souvenirs: the double-headed eagle soaring over the memory of Byzantium. Yet the real story behind this symbol is far more complex — and far older — than many realize.
Medieval Inscriptions in Jerusalem’s Cenacle Reveal Diversity of Pilgrimage 28 Apr 2:30 AM (5 days ago)
Researchers have uncovered medieval inscriptions in the Cenacle, the Room of the Last Supper in Jerusalem, revealing a diverse community of pilgrims from Austria, Armenia, Syria, and beyond.
How Swaddling Shaped Infant Skeletons in the Middle Ages 27 Apr 6:25 PM (5 days ago)
Swaddling was a common practice in medieval Europe, believed to protect and strengthen infants — but archaeological research shows it may have had unintended effects on their developing skeletons.
New Medieval Books: Inventing the Renaissance 27 Apr 4:19 PM (5 days ago)
The typical portrayal of Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries is that it was a great era in which everyone produced even greater art. However, this book reveals that the 'Renaissance' was not so great after all, as the period was marked by political turmoil, warfare, and tragedy.