The Knightly Newsletter

Medieval History

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Medieval History

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The Newsletter for the Medieval History Site at About.com

Vol. IV, No. 11
July 28, 2001

•Dark Legacy
•Medieval Sun Spots
•Trivial Matters

The Knightly Newsletter

In the Spotlight

Dark Legacy

How centuries of war began with one man's ambition: a brief introduction to Pope Urban II and the origins of the First Crusade.

In the News

Twelfth Century Sunspots
Researchers believe they have discovered the earliest known drawing of sunspots. The document in the Chronicle of John of Worcester depicts two spots seen on December 8, 1128 and includes a Latin description of the event. For more information, check out the feature by About Guide to English Culture, Paula Bardell.

Luton Hoo Treasures Stay in England
English Heritage has secured the Wernher collection, which will go on display at the Ranger House. Amongst the treasures of the nineteenth-century entrepreneur are Renaissance-era diamonds and medieval ivory. Get the latest in the news item by John Ezard at the Guardian.

America's Birth Certificate
A map created in 1507 by Martin Waldseemueller, the first to give the western hemisphere its name, is being purchased by the Library of Congress. This is the only known copy of the map that has been called "America's birth certificate." Find out more in the article at Ananova.

This Week in Medieval History

Giorgio Vasari was born, Olaf Haraldsson died, and Justinian became sole ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire.

What happened today?

No Trivial Matter

You've heard some odd things about life in the Middle Ages -- is any of it true? Take a look at some questionable medieval factoids, and the importance of getting the details right, in this feature by your Guide.

Medieval Millionaire

Can you win a million deniers? Will you need a lifeline? Test your general knowledge of the Middle Ages in our trivia game.

Site Update

Fresh Links

Online Books & Images

The First Crusade

General European Studies

General Living History

Japanese Art & Architecture

The Knights Hospitaller

Medieval British Documents & Artifacts

Medieval Japanese Armor & Weaponry

People of Medieval Iberia

Places in Africa

Topics in Medieval African History

New in Who's Who in Medieval History

Alexius I Comnenus; King Henry VI of England; Pope Urban II

Elsewhere at About.com

Katharine Graham
On July 17, 2001, one of the 20th century's most interesting and significant women died after an injury in a fall. About Guide to Women's History Jone Johnson Lewis has an illuminating biography of Katharine Graham.

Stilicho and Rufinus
The great Roman general Stilicho was on the verge of defeating Alaric when he was ordered to leave. About Guide to Ancient History N. S. Gill tells you what brought about this command and what happened next in her feature, Last Best Chance to Beat the Goths.

Quote of the Knight

In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign.... Secondly, a just cause.... Thirdly ... a rightful intention.