Medieval Studies

Uncover the dark secrets and untold stories of the Middle Ages that challenge everything you thought you knew about history.

Bernat Guillem d'Entença: A Daring Figure in Medieval Catalonia

Bernat Guillem d'Entença: A Daring Figure in Medieval Catalonia

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Bernat Guillem d'Entença was a 13th-century Catalonian noble known for his strategic genius and unwavering loyalty. His life story captures the spirit of medieval knighthood and its impact on shaping history.

The First Barons' War: When Feisty Barons Went Toe-to-Toe with the King of England

The First Barons' War: When Feisty Barons Went Toe-to-Toe with the King of England

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

In the First Barons' War, a group of rebellious English barons took a bold stand against King John from 1215-1217, shaping the very foundation of constitutional governance. This clash marked a pivotal step in the historical journey towards modern democracy.

The Enigmatic Life of Tanusio Thopia: A Nobleman of Medieval Albania

The Enigmatic Life of Tanusio Thopia: A Nobleman of Medieval Albania

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Uncover the intriguing life of Tanusio Thopia, a 14th-century Albanian nobleman whose strategic alliances and leadership shaped the medieval Balkans' political and cultural landscape.

The Curious Case of Bonfilius: A Medieval Mystery

The Curious Case of Bonfilius: A Medieval Mystery

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Unravel the enigmatic life of Bonfilius, a 12th-century Tuscan monk, whose sparse historical records spark intrigue and debate among historians about medieval monastic life.

The Curious Case of Henry de Motlowe: A Medieval Judge's Legacy

The Curious Case of Henry de Motlowe: A Medieval Judge's Legacy

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Uncover the legacy of Henry de Motlowe, a pivotal medieval judge who shaped the legal landscape of 14th century England amidst social upheaval and transformation.

The Curious Tale of Alchmund of Hexham

The Curious Tale of Alchmund of Hexham

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Unravel the enigmatic life and legacy of Alchmund of Hexham, an 8th-century Northumbrian bishop whose devotion and leadership left a lasting impact on the medieval church and community.

The Enigmatic Rise of Creoda of Mercia

The Enigmatic Rise of Creoda of Mercia

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Unravel the mysterious rise of Creoda, the first known king of Mercia, and his pivotal role in shaping early medieval England's political landscape.

Michael of Imereti: The Enlightened Monarch of Medieval Georgia

Michael of Imereti: The Enlightened Monarch of Medieval Georgia

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Step back into medieval Georgia with the extraordinary tale of Michael of Imereti, a king who was both a warrior and a strategic visionary, navigating his way through the complex landscape of 13th and 14th-century politics to leave a lasting legacy.

The Enigmatic Liudger of Saxony: A Glimpse into Medieval Nobility

The Enigmatic Liudger of Saxony: A Glimpse into Medieval Nobility

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Delve into the life of Liudger of Saxony, a pivotal figure in medieval nobility whose influence shaped the political and cultural landscape of 9th century Saxony during the Carolingian Empire.

Liudger of Saxony: A Pioneering Force of Change in Early Medieval Europe

Liudger of Saxony: A Pioneering Force of Change in Early Medieval Europe

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Liudger of Saxony, a pioneering leader from the Billung dynasty, navigated the complex power dynamics of early medieval Europe to influence politics, culture, and leadership, leaving a legacy that resonates even today.

The Enigmatic Thomas Musgrave of Bewcastle: A Journey Through Time

The Enigmatic Thomas Musgrave of Bewcastle: A Journey Through Time

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Explore the life of Thomas Musgrave, a historical figure from Bewcastle who played a crucial role as a captain and political navigator in the tempestuous Borderlands of the 16th century.

Unlocking the Charm of Schüsselpfennig: A Peek into History

Unlocking the Charm of Schüsselpfennig: A Peek into History

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

The Schüsselpfennig, an intriguing bowl-shaped coin from medieval Germany, is much more than just currency—it's a testament to human ingenuity and economic transformation.

Unraveling John Boswell: Liberating Histories and Controversies

Unraveling John Boswell: Liberating Histories and Controversies

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

John Boswell was a Yale historian who revolutionized views on medieval LGBTQ dynamics, sparking fierce academic debate and affirming historical ties for the LGBTQ community. His work continues to influence dialogues about inclusivity and historical narratives.

The Chronicles of Ramon Muntaner: A Journey Through Medieval Historiography

The Chronicles of Ramon Muntaner: A Journey Through Medieval Historiography

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Ramon Muntaner, a medieval adventurer, and chronicler, vividly documented the political intricacies of 13th-century Europe through his 'Crònica', blending personal experience with historical fact. His work continues to inspire historians and storytellers today.

Jean de Beaumetz: The Master of Medieval Art and Expression

Jean de Beaumetz: The Master of Medieval Art and Expression

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Jean de Beaumetz, the distinguished court painter of 14th-century Burgundy, paved the way for Gothic art to transition into Renaissance ideals with his emotive and colorful works.

The Literary Luminary: E. Talbot Donaldson

The Literary Luminary: E. Talbot Donaldson

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

E. Talbot Donaldson was a renowned scholar who significantly advanced the study of medieval English literature, particularly through his translations and interpretations of Chaucer's works.

The Enigmatic Reign of Grimoald IV of Benevento

The Enigmatic Reign of Grimoald IV of Benevento

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Dive into the intriguing reign of Grimoald IV of Benevento, a Lombard noble who skillfully balanced autonomy and diplomacy in medieval Italy amidst the rising power of the Carolingian Empire.

The Ancient Pulse of Scanian Law: A Legacy of Nordic Justice

The Ancient Pulse of Scanian Law: A Legacy of Nordic Justice

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Explore the fascinating world of Scanian Law, a medieval legal code that united parts of Scandinavia, laying the groundwork for contemporary notions of fairness and justice.

Unraveling the Enigma: Sébastien de Luxembourg

Unraveling the Enigma: Sébastien de Luxembourg

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Journey with us into the intriguing world of Sébastien de Luxembourg, a nobleman of the celebrated House of Luxembourg during the bustling transitional eras of medieval and Renaissance Europe. Sébastien's lineage weaves through the intricate tapestry of European history, offering us a lens into political, cultural, and familial dynamics that shaped a continent.

Giles of Rome: A Medieval Maestro of Curiosity and Thought

Giles of Rome: A Medieval Maestro of Curiosity and Thought

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Imagine a world brimming with uncharted possibilities—meet Giles of Rome, a medieval thinker who married science and faith, leaving a rich legacy that continues to intrigue scholars today.

The Valiant Chronicles of John de Strivelyn: A Scottish Knight's Legacy

The Valiant Chronicles of John de Strivelyn: A Scottish Knight's Legacy

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Step into the medieval world of John de Strivelyn, a Scottish knight whose life of valor and shifting allegiances paints a vivid picture of 14th-century history.

Adolf, King of the Romans: The Short-Lived Reign

Adolf, King of the Romans: The Short-Lived Reign

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Adolf of Nassau, a lesser-known monarch, held the title King of the Romans in the late 13th century. His brief rule showcases the pitfalls of precarious alliances and unsteady leadership in medieval Europe.

Unveiling the Enigmatic Life of Albina, Countess Raimond: A Journey Through Time

Unveiling the Enigmatic Life of Albina, Countess Raimond: A Journey Through Time

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Discover the captivating life of Albina, Countess Raimond, who carved a niche in medieval history through her political acumen and cultural patronage, set against the vibrant backdrop of 12th-century Southern France.

Vratislaus I: The Unsung Hero of Bohemian History

Vratislaus I: The Unsung Hero of Bohemian History

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Vratislaus I, Duke of Bohemia, may sound like a forgotten character of history class but his rule was an epic saga that laid the groundwork for modern Czech identity. Leading in the early 900s, he united a fragmented Bohemia against external threats, casting long shadows on Central European history.