Bernard S. Bachrach passes away
Bernard S. Bachrach, one of the leading scholars of medieval military history, passed away on July 14th at the age of 84.
The search for the lost Norse of Greenland detailed in new book
In his new book The Vanished Settlers of Greenland: In Search of a Legend and Its Legacy, Robert Rix of the University of Copenhagen argues that the lost Norse settlement played a decisive role in Denmark’s efforts to colonize Greenland during the 18th century.
Family-fun medieval events this summer in Wales
Cadw has released its summer holiday events schedule, offering families a huge variety of activities to enjoy and experience Welsh culture and history, much of it medieval-themed.
Call for Papers: Listing the World before the Age of Print
For the 2024 International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds
Medieval gaming piece with runic inscription found in Norway
An excavation in Trondheim led to the discovery of a soapstone gaming piece bearing a runic inscription.
This is the face of a teenager from early medieval England
A forensic artist has reconstructed the face of a 16-year-old woman buried in 7th-century England.
“Ipswich ware” pottery made for the first time in over 1,000 years
“Ipswich ware” jars and pots, first made 1,400 years ago in the English town, are being fired again in a replica Anglo-Saxon kiln thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Researchers discover medieval church lost to sea in 1362
A joint scientific project has located the sunken church of Rungholt in the North Frisian Wadden Sea in Germany. It is believed that the church and the rest of Rungholt were drowned in a storm surge in 1362.
Medieval comedy performance discovered in 15th century manuscript
‘By me, Richard Heege, because I was at that feast and did not have a drink.’
Codex Manesse added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
The Codex Manesse, created in the 14th century and known for its 134 beautiful images, has been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. It’s one of 14 medieval documents that have been just added to this list of documentary heritage.
French king Louis IX spotlighted in the new issue of Medieval World
Issue 6 of Medieval World: Culture & Conflict looks at King Louis IX of France (r. 1226–1270) – “the most Christian king”.
Work begins to protect medieval tomb from the Deathwatch Beetle
Conservation work has begun at St Andrew’s Church, Wingfield, to protect the 600-year-old tomb of Michael and Katherine de la Pole. The medieval tomb is being attacked by the Deathwatch Beetle.
A Majestic May Half Term in Store at Cadw Sites Across Wales
Cadw has released its packed May half-term schedule, offering unique activities for families to enjoy and bring Welsh history to life.
Codex Sassoon sells for $38 million at auction
An 1100-year-old manuscript has sold for $38,126,000 (US), making it the most valuable medieval manuscript to be auctioned. The Codex Sassoon, which contains an almost complete version of the Hebrew Bible, was purchased by Alfred H. Moses and will be donated to the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Israel.
You can now go into a part of Caernarfon Castle that has been inaccessible for centuries
Following 3 years of work, an enhancement project at the main gateway at Caernarfon Castle in Wales is complete. The £5 million project created a rooftop deck installation and new flooring in the gatehouse towers.
Medieval skincare routines were remarkably similar to modern versions, study finds
For centuries people have been trying to take care of their skin, making use of many different products, recipes and practices. A new study focusing on the works of the famous medieval doctor Trotula de Ruggiero reveals a skincare routine that is an “extraordinary combination of tradition and modernity.”
New exhibition on Rumi at the Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum will be hosting a thought-provoking exhibition that explores the life and impact of one of history’s most renowned poets, marking the 750th anniversary of his passing.
Medieval manuscript expected to sell for as much as $50 million at auction
The Codex Sassoon, which dates back to the late ninth or early tenth century, will be sold at auction later this month. It is expected to fetch between $30 to $50 million, making it one of the most expensive medieval manuscripts ever sold.
The genetic link between medieval and modern grapes
How similar are the grapes you eat to those consumed by people in the Middle Ages? A new study by international researchers has found genetic links between two modern varieties of red and white grapes and grape varieties cultivated over 1100 years ago.
Medieval Welsh Royal Court is now a scheduled monument
Although little remains of Llys Rhosyr today, in the 13th and 14th centuries this site was an important court of the Princes of Gwynedd. Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service has now made the site its 131st scheduled monument.
Podcasts: Βυζάντιο explained
Looking for a podcast about the Byzantine world? You can listen to Βυζάντιο explained.
Beowulf was connected to King Cnut, study finds
When King Cnut sailed to Denmark in 1019, did he bring a copy of Beowulf with him?
How Roman de Silence speaks to today’s debate on gender identity
The modern-day debate about gender identity can take some lessons from a 13th-century story. Researchers at the University of Warwick worked with a professional storyteller to bring Roman de Silence to new audiences.
Conference: The Other Sister: New Research on Non-Cloistered Religious Women (1100-1800)
You can attend in person or online for this conference, which takes place at the University of Toronto from May 18th – 20th.