Medieval European history is full of notable characters, from Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer who discovered North America approximately 500 years before Christopher Columbus, to William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy who conquered most of Britain in the eleventh century, to Frederick Barbarossa, the German ruler who established his authority over much of Central […]
Why is Charlemagne Known as the Father of Europe? Read More »
In the ninth episode of the third season of the massively successful HBO television series, Game of Thrones, there is an extended scene in which the story ark of much of the show pivots. This is based around the wedding of Edmure Tully to a daughter of Lord Walter Frey, a supposed ally of Robb Stark,
Did the Black Dinner Really Inspire the Red Wedding? Read More »
We do not typically associate religious piety with vengeance, though revenge is a common thread throughout the Old Testament. It certainly isn’t usually associated with saints, which makes the life and career of St Olga of Kyiv somewhat peculiar. This member of the royal house of Kievan Rus in the tenth century is honored today
St Olga of Kyiv: The Patron Saint of Vengeance Read More »
Christianity has never been a homogenous religion with clearly defined ideas and beliefs. When it emerged in the late first and second centuries AD, it was essentially a schismatic branch of Judaism. Then it adopted elements of a Hellenic polytheistic religion to become more popular throughout the Roman Empire. By the fourth century AD, it
The Strange History of Medieval Sin-Eaters Read More »
The Tower of London Prison is one of the most famous prisons in history, known for the gruesome bloodshed, brutal punishment, and gnarly beheadings within its walls. But, it was also home to many wealthy prisoners who were incarcerated here and those of a lower status. So, how was life as a prisoner in the Tower
What Was it like to be a Prisoner in the Tower of London? Read More »
The 14th century was an era of new beginnings, new technological advancements and growing empires. However, it was also a time of crisis and transformation for many people. This period saw the end of the Great Mongolian Empire, which had ruled central Asia for more than a century. It witnessed invasions by new powers like
What Were The Most Important Events of the 14th Century? Read More »
Genghis Khan was one of the most infamous and successful warriors in history. He was the founder and leader of the Mongol Empire, which controlled a large portion of Asia at its peak. While many of us have heard bits and pieces about Genghis Khan and his crusades, in this guide, we’ll take a look
9 Stories about Genghis Khan That You’ve Probably Never Heard Read More »
Mansa Musa, the richest man in the world, was a mighty emperor of the Malian Empire who reigned during the 14th century. During his rule, he made many contributions to Mali and its people. How Mansa Musa became the emperor of Mali After hearing about Mansa Musa, one may assume that the man was simply
The Life of Mansa Musa, The Richest Man in The World Read More »
Most people are familiar with the events of the Black Death, as it killed upwards of half of the continent’s population in the space of half a decade between its first arrival in Italy in 1347 and the end of the first wave in the early 1350s. But what was just as significant was what
What Happened After the Black Death Ended? Read More »
Egyptians were the first to recognize gout as a disease in 2640 BC. Hippocrates recognized its debilitating nature by the fifth century BC, calling it the “unwalkable disease.” He often used aphorisms, which still ring true to this day, to describe it. He referred to gout as the “arthritis of the rich” or the king’s
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