Art history students offer a bite-sized introduction to the bestiary of the European Middle Ages. Introduction The...
Medieval
Next time you come across a toad, you might just want to reconsider becoming acquainted! If you...
Medieval books of beasts reflect the attitudes of the people who made them—including antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, and...
The rituals now associated with Halloween have a complex relationship to this medieval Hallowmass. I had the...
The souls most likely to return to haunt the living were those whose burial rituals were not...
Kievan Rus’, medieval Ukraine, played an important role in both Russia and Europe. Introduction Kievan Rus′ was...
The selling of indulgences was first practiced in the late thirteenth century and was changed after the...
More than a pastime, it was an important arena for social interaction, essential training for war, and...
Byzantine influence was pronounced in Ukraine’s religious, political, and cultural spheres. Byzantium was originally a Greek colony,...
The most notable ruler of this dynasty was its last ruler, Emperor Harshavardhana (or Harsha). Introduction The...
Exploring how British Library maps chart the evolution of man’s understanding of the earth and cosmos. Introduction...
Many exaggerated claims have been made concerning the effects and consequences of the crusades on life in...
What were the motivating factors for crusaders, from the Pope to the humblest warrior? By Mark CartwrightHistorian...
The Donation of Constantine was most likely written, and almost certainly used, to coerce Pepin the Short...
What did medieval Christians believe about women’s nature and social roles? How did they express these beliefs...
The medieval Church developed and retained its power by encouraging the innate human fear of death and...
Before the age of printing, the texts and layouts of Hebrew works were not standardised. This is...
The Third Crusade failed to put Jerusalem back in Christian hands. Introduction In 1187 Outremer (the collective...
The message in medieval manuscripts is clear: The rich are good, the poor are trouble. Gluttony—overindulging in...
Language about Jews in the medieval Good Friday liturgy often carried over into physical violence toward local...
The medieval period saw Jews experience intense antisemitism. Introduction The roots of antisemitism can be found in...
Developments forced a dramatic transformation in the character of warfare from antiquity, changing tactics, weaponry, and fortifications....
Faith, science, and stargazing influenced everyday decisions in the Middle Ages. Introduction Humankind has always looked to...
The Rus are first mentioned in the Annals of Saint-Bertin. Introduction Kievan Rus (862-1242 CE) was a...
The discovery of lapis lazuli pigment preserved in the dental calculus of a religious woman in Germany...
Jews living in Europe were easy, early targets for Crusaders while life was comparatively tranquil in Islamic...
The Westerners managed to maintain a political presence in the region until 1291 CE but were constantly...
The armies could have involved over 100,000 men on either side who came from all over Europe....
To reach this elevated status became more and more challenging as the Middle Ages wore on. By...
Double page opening: Provinces Bringing Tribute (f.23v.) and Ruler Portrait of Otto III (f.24) Gospels of Otto III,...