Medieval Studies
Uncover the dark secrets and untold stories of the Middle Ages that challenge everything you thought you knew about history.
The Intriguing Path of Julius I Rátót: A Dive into Medieval Nobility
KC Fairlight
Explore the fascinating life of Julius I Rátót, a significant medieval Hungarian nobleman and statesman whose political maneuvers and steadfast loyalty to the crown amidst a turbulent historical backdrop offer intriguing insights.
Alan Rufus: The Norman Who Rose to Fame
KC Fairlight
Alan Rufus was a remarkable figure who rose from a noble background in Brittany to become one of the richest and most influential personalities in Norman England. His story entwines ambition, wealth, and the politics of the post-Norman Conquest era.
Alfonso IV of León: The King of the Reclusive Throne
Martin Sparks
Meet Alfonso IV of León, the king who swapped his throne for the solitude of monastic life. Born in 890 AD, Alfonso left an indelible mark during his brief reign in the Kingdom of León, bringing unique reflections on power, choice, and personal conviction.
The Intriguing Life of John FitzGeoffrey: An Unraveled Medieval Mystery
Martin Sparks
John FitzGeoffrey wasn't just a 13th-century noble—he was a pivotal player navigating the political puzzle of medieval England, whose life illustrates timeless lessons in leadership and diplomacy.
Paul Viollet: The Legal Luminary of 19th Century France
Martin Sparks
Paul Viollet, a 19th-century French legal historian, revolutionized the understanding of medieval law and its impact on modern legal systems through his extensive research and teaching.
The Geats: A Glimpse into an Ancient Scandinavian Tribe
KC Fairlight
Uncover the history and cultural significance of the Geats, an ancient Scandinavian tribe known from the epic poem 'Beowulf' and their role in the formation of the Swedish nation.
The Year 1136: A Medieval Tapestry of Events
Martin Sparks
The year 1136 was marked by pivotal medieval events including the English civil war known as The Anarchy, the cultural and military shifts of the Reconquista, and the literary impact of Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Historia Regum Britanniae'.
Bernat Guillem d'Entença: A Daring Figure in Medieval Catalonia
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.