Medieval History: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Death Defined
A graphic description of Black Death symptoms and causes of the disease.
A graphic description of Black Death symptoms and causes of the disease.
The Black Death
A quick introduction to the horrific plague of the 14th century known as the Black Death, with links to further resources, here at the Medieval History site.
A quick introduction to the horrific plague of the 14th century known as the Black Death, with links to further resources, here at the Medieval History site.
Medieval Clothing and Fabrics
What did people wear in the Middle Ages? Find out in this introduction.
What did people wear in the Middle Ages? Find out in this introduction.
The Black Death Comes to Europe, 1347
Map of the route the Black Death took to arrive in Europe in 1347
Map of the route the Black Death took to arrive in Europe in 1347
Crusades Basics
A simple introduction to Crusades history, offering a rundown of the basics of the significant religious wars of the Middle Ages.
A simple introduction to Crusades history, offering a rundown of the basics of the significant religious wars of the Middle Ages.
Beowulf Quiz
Beowulf Quiz Here are 25 questions to test your knowledge of the poem Beowulf and its history. Don't
Beowulf Quiz Here are 25 questions to test your knowledge of the poem Beowulf and its history. Don't
Beowulf
Beowulf is the oldest surviving epic poem in the English language and the earliest piece of vernacular European literature.
Beowulf is the oldest surviving epic poem in the English language and the earliest piece of vernacular European literature.
Avoid the Plague
a simple how-to on staying alive during the black death
a simple how-to on staying alive during the black death
Posting Policy for the Medieval History Forum
free online dictionaries, world origins, homework questions, passionate views, forum host, medieval history, history forum, disparagement, answers to homework, condescension, school projects, history site, foul language, different world, personal attacks, misconceptions, sarcasm, stereotypes, middle ages, research papers
free online dictionaries, world origins, homework questions, passionate views, forum host, medieval history, history forum, disparagement, answers to homework, condescension, school projects, history site, foul language, different world, personal attacks, misconceptions, sarcasm, stereotypes, middle ages, research papers
Richard the Lionheart
A biography of King Richard I of England, known as Richard the Lionheart.
A biography of King Richard I of England, known as Richard the Lionheart.
The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is a stunningly beautiful manuscript from the early Middle Ages containing the Four Gospels. This introduction provides information about the origins and history of the book, its construction, and a modern reconstruction, and offers suggested reading.
The Book of Kells is a stunningly beautiful manuscript from the early Middle Ages containing the Four Gospels. This introduction provides information about the origins and history of the book, its construction, and a modern reconstruction, and offers suggested reading.
Charlemagne
Charlemagne consolidated a large portion of Europe under his rule, promoted learning, and instituted innovative administrative concepts.
Charlemagne consolidated a large portion of Europe under his rule, promoted learning, and instituted innovative administrative concepts.
Charlemagne Facts
This study guide offers general information to help you learn about Charlemagne. Here are some important facts about Charlemagne's birth and family, conquests and campaigns, administration, cultural impact and legacy.
This study guide offers general information to help you learn about Charlemagne. Here are some important facts about Charlemagne's birth and family, conquests and campaigns, administration, cultural impact and legacy.
Medieval Underwear
What men and women wore under their clothing in the Middle Ages.
What men and women wore under their clothing in the Middle Ages.
What Made Charles So Great?
An introduction to the life of Charlemagne and his impact on European history.
An introduction to the life of Charlemagne and his impact on European history.
Defining the Middle Ages
When did the Middle Ages start and end? A look at some of the many different ways this much-misunderstood era is defined
When did the Middle Ages start and end? A look at some of the many different ways this much-misunderstood era is defined
Medieval Food Preservation
Keeping food edible for months and even years during the Middle Ages. Page one: drying foods, preserving foods with salt, and smoking meat and fish.
Keeping food edible for months and even years during the Middle Ages. Page one: drying foods, preserving foods with salt, and smoking meat and fish.
Abu Bakr
Abu Bakr was the closest friend and companion of Muhammad and the first Muslim caliph. He was one of the first men to convert to Islam, and was chosen by the Prophet as his companion on the hijrah to Medina.
Abu Bakr was the closest friend and companion of Muhammad and the first Muslim caliph. He was one of the first men to convert to Islam, and was chosen by the Prophet as his companion on the hijrah to Medina.
The Medieval Child, Part 1
The first in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part I examines the concept of childhood, the importance of children, and the question of affection in the medieval family.
The first in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part I examines the concept of childhood, the importance of children, and the question of affection in the medieval family.
Defining Middle Ages, cont'd
The Middle Ages are often broken into three sub-eras: Early, High, and Late Middle Ages.
The Middle Ages are often broken into three sub-eras: Early, High, and Late Middle Ages.
El Cid
El Cid - National Hero of Spain - Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar
El Cid - National Hero of Spain - Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar
Spread of the Black Death
A series of maps by your guide depicting how the dreaded 14th-century plague spread through Europe
A series of maps by your guide depicting how the dreaded 14th-century plague spread through Europe
Defining the Knight
Issue #1 of Knight Life: Who and what was the Medieval Knight?
Issue #1 of Knight Life: Who and what was the Medieval Knight?
Renaissance Love Poems
English love poems of the Renaissance era by six poets.
English love poems of the Renaissance era by six poets.
Manor
The medieval manor was an agricultural estate, and more.
The medieval manor was an agricultural estate, and more.
General Knowledge Quiz - Medieval History
General Knowledge Quiz Here are ten questions on a variety of topics from the Middle Ages. How well do
General Knowledge Quiz Here are ten questions on a variety of topics from the Middle Ages. How well do
Origins of Plague
Map of the possible origins of the 14th-century plague and the route it took to Europe.
Map of the possible origins of the 14th-century plague and the route it took to Europe.
King Richard I of England
King Richard I of England was known as Lionheart for his courage and prowess on the battlefield.
King Richard I of England was known as Lionheart for his courage and prowess on the battlefield.
Pope Innocent III
Pope Innocent III was one of the most powerful and influential popes of the Middle Ages.
Pope Innocent III was one of the most powerful and influential popes of the Middle Ages.
Pope Alexander VI
Pope Alexander VI - Rodrigo Borgia - is the most famously corrupt pope in history.
Pope Alexander VI - Rodrigo Borgia - is the most famously corrupt pope in history.
Alchemy in the Middle Ages
An introduction to the proto-science of alchemy, its origins and history, the goals and achievements of medieval alchemists, its disreputable associations, and some recommended reading from your Guide.
An introduction to the proto-science of alchemy, its origins and history, the goals and achievements of medieval alchemists, its disreputable associations, and some recommended reading from your Guide.
The Bad Old Days - The Hoax
The hoax in question, with associated links leading to specific information refuting the bogus assertions.
The hoax in question, with associated links leading to specific information refuting the bogus assertions.
The F-Word
Feudalism was once considered the prevailing social system of medieval Europe. But most medievalists have serious problems with both the term and the concept it describes.
Feudalism was once considered the prevailing social system of medieval Europe. But most medievalists have serious problems with both the term and the concept it describes.
Medieval
An explanation of the origin and history of the term medieval.
An explanation of the origin and history of the term medieval.
Dante Alighieri - Poet - Philosopher - Political Thinker
Dante Alighieri is often considered the finest poet of the Middle Ages.
Dante Alighieri is often considered the finest poet of the Middle Ages.
The Bad Old Days - The Dead
Measures against getting buried alive that were never taken. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax
Measures against getting buried alive that were never taken. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax
Medieval Atlas - Maps of All of Europe - Medieval European History in Maps
An index of continental maps of Europe and maps that depict portions of Europe during the Middle Ages.
An index of continental maps of Europe and maps that depict portions of Europe during the Middle Ages.
Urban II
Pope Urban II launched the Crusade Movement with his call to arms at the Council of Clermont.
Pope Urban II launched the Crusade Movement with his call to arms at the Council of Clermont.
The History of Algebra
The first mention of the word algebra is to be found in the title of a work by Mahommed ben Musa al-Khwarizmi, who flourished about the beginning of the 9th century.
The first mention of the word algebra is to be found in the title of a work by Mahommed ben Musa al-Khwarizmi, who flourished about the beginning of the 9th century.
Petrarch - Founder of Renaissance Humanism - Francesco Petrarca
One of the most influential poets of the Middle Ages, Petrarch is generally considered the founder of Renaissance Humanism.
One of the most influential poets of the Middle Ages, Petrarch is generally considered the founder of Renaissance Humanism.
Clovis - Frankish King - Founder of the Merovingian Dynasty
Clovis was the founder of the Merovingian dynasty of Frankish kings, and became a Catholic instead of an Arian Christian.
Clovis was the founder of the Merovingian dynasty of Frankish kings, and became a Catholic instead of an Arian Christian.
Baron
In the Middle Ages, there was no specific rank associated with the term Baron.
In the Middle Ages, there was no specific rank associated with the term Baron.
Germany - The Protestant Reformation - Martin Luther
Online text of the History of Germany; public domain document that you may copy, download, print and distribute as you see fit. Page Ten: The Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther.
Online text of the History of Germany; public domain document that you may copy, download, print and distribute as you see fit. Page Ten: The Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther.
1349
Map of the spread of the Black Death in Europe in the year 1349, by your Guide.
Map of the spread of the Black Death in Europe in the year 1349, by your Guide.
A Medieval Atlas
Find the map you need or explore some fascinating pieces of the past.
Find the map you need or explore some fascinating pieces of the past.
King William I of England - William the Conqueror
Basic information and useful websites about William the Conqueror.
Basic information and useful websites about William the Conqueror.
Regional and Period Clothing
Medieval clothing varied according to the time frame as well as the region. Here are some societies (and segments of society) whose clothing styles are especially evocative of their cultures.
Medieval clothing varied according to the time frame as well as the region. Here are some societies (and segments of society) whose clothing styles are especially evocative of their cultures.
The Medieval Child, Part 2
The second in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part 2 examines childbirth and baptism.
The second in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part 2 examines childbirth and baptism.
Knights Templar
A concise introduction to the origins, expansion, organization and downfall of the Templars, the warrior monks who defended pilgrims in the Holy Land.
A concise introduction to the origins, expansion, organization and downfall of the Templars, the warrior monks who defended pilgrims in the Holy Land.
The Avignon Papacy
The Avignon Papacy was the period in the 14th century when the popes lived in and operated out of Avignon, France, instead of their traditional home in Rome
The Avignon Papacy was the period in the 14th century when the popes lived in and operated out of Avignon, France, instead of their traditional home in Rome
General Knowledge Quiz II - Medieval History
General Knowledge Quiz II This mixed bag of general questions about the Middle Ages will test your knowledge
General Knowledge Quiz II This mixed bag of general questions about the Middle Ages will test your knowledge
Introducing Knight Life
Introducing a semi-regular feature about the medieval knight.
Introducing a semi-regular feature about the medieval knight.
Medieval Clip Art
A collection of medieval-themed clip art, including shields, swords, knights and ladies, created by your Guide.
A collection of medieval-themed clip art, including shields, swords, knights and ladies, created by your Guide.
Charlemagne Timeline
This study guide offers general information to help you learn about Charlemagne. The timeline of Charlemagne's life provides a chronological listing of significant events in the Frankish king's life and reign.
This study guide offers general information to help you learn about Charlemagne. The timeline of Charlemagne's life provides a chronological listing of significant events in the Frankish king's life and reign.
Splendor in Medieval Africa
A brief introduction to the medieval kingdom of Mali and the splendid African society that flourished there.
A brief introduction to the medieval kingdom of Mali and the splendid African society that flourished there.
Donatello
Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi, called Donatello, was one of the foremost sculptors of the Italian Renaissance. He was a master of both marble and bronze, and had an extensive knowledge of ancient sculpture.
Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi, called Donatello, was one of the foremost sculptors of the Italian Renaissance. He was a master of both marble and bronze, and had an extensive knowledge of ancient sculpture.
Who's Who in Medieval History - Index by Profession: Crusaders
Find a medieval historical figure by his role in society, from your About.com Guide
Find a medieval historical figure by his role in society, from your About.com Guide
The Bad Old Days - Baths
Medieval man liked to bathe, and babies were never thrown out with the bathwater. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Medieval man liked to bathe, and babies were never thrown out with the bathwater. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
European Peasant Dress
Undergarments, overgarments, accessories and everyday clothes for members of the medieval working class.
Undergarments, overgarments, accessories and everyday clothes for members of the medieval working class.
The Medieval Child, Part 3
The third in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part 3 examines life for the infant and a child's chances of survival.
The third in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part 3 examines life for the infant and a child's chances of survival.
The Spread of the Black Death through Italy
A map depicting the Spread of the Black Death through Italy in the 14th century, by your Guide.
A map depicting the Spread of the Black Death through Italy in the 14th century, by your Guide.
Images from the Book of Kells
Public-domain images from the Book of Kells, free for your use, here at the Medieval History site.
Public-domain images from the Book of Kells, free for your use, here at the Medieval History site.
The Medieval History Starter Quiz
A quick and easy quiz for newcomers to the Middle Ages.
A quick and easy quiz for newcomers to the Middle Ages.
Harun al-Rashid
Harun al-Rashid was the fifth Abbasid caliph. He and his fabulous court at Baghdad are immortalized in The Thousand and One Nights
Harun al-Rashid was the fifth Abbasid caliph. He and his fabulous court at Baghdad are immortalized in The Thousand and One Nights
The Beowulf Story
A description of the events that transpire in the Old English Epic poem, Beowulf.
A description of the events that transpire in the Old English Epic poem, Beowulf.
Charlemagne Biography
This study guide offers general information to help you learn about Charlemagne. This overview is an introductory biography of the important Frankish king.
This study guide offers general information to help you learn about Charlemagne. This overview is an introductory biography of the important Frankish king.
The Black Death Spreads through France
A map of the routes taken by the Black Death through France in the 14th century, by your Guide.
A map of the routes taken by the Black Death through France in the 14th century, by your Guide.
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France and later England, was arguably the most powerful woman of High Medieval Europe.
Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France and later England, was arguably the most powerful woman of High Medieval Europe.
Giotto di Bondone
The most important Italian painter of the 1300s, Giotto pioneered a realistic artistic style that would characterize the early Renaissance.
The most important Italian painter of the 1300s, Giotto pioneered a realistic artistic style that would characterize the early Renaissance.
Medieval Atlas - Europe - A Directory to Medieval European Maps on the Web
An index of maps that depict Europe and the nations within it during the Middle Ages.
An index of maps that depict Europe and the nations within it during the Middle Ages.
peoples crusade
The People's Crusade was a popular movement of crusaders who did not wait for the official leaders of the expedition but took off for the Holy Land early, unprepared and inexperienced.
The People's Crusade was a popular movement of crusaders who did not wait for the official leaders of the expedition but took off for the Holy Land early, unprepared and inexperienced.
The Quest for Conquest Quiz
The Quest for Conquest Quiz What do you really know about the Norman Conquest? This quiz will test your
The Quest for Conquest Quiz What do you really know about the Norman Conquest? This quiz will test your
The Dream of the Rood
The Old English lyric The Dream of the Rood is the earliest English dream poem to be found in written form. The Dream of the Rood was first discovered on the Ruthwell Cross.
The Old English lyric The Dream of the Rood is the earliest English dream poem to be found in written form. The Dream of the Rood was first discovered on the Ruthwell Cross.
Erik the Red
Erik the Red founded the first European settlement on Greenland.
Erik the Red founded the first European settlement on Greenland.
A Swift Strike
A map depicting the spread of the Black Death from January to June, 1348
A map depicting the spread of the Black Death from January to June, 1348
Young Henry
Portrait of Henry as a child by an unknown artist.
Portrait of Henry as a child by an unknown artist.
The Medieval Child
An index to our series of articles about childhood in the Middle Ages.
An index to our series of articles about childhood in the Middle Ages.
Constantine the Great
Constantine the Great was the first Roman emperor to profess Christianity. Constantine's support of the religion would help transform it into the institution it would remain through the Middle Ages.
Constantine the Great was the first Roman emperor to profess Christianity. Constantine's support of the religion would help transform it into the institution it would remain through the Middle Ages.
King Francis I of France
King Francis I of France is considered France's first Renaissance King.
King Francis I of France is considered France's first Renaissance King.
Wool
The sources of wool, types of wool, and uses of wool in medieval Europe.
The sources of wool, types of wool, and uses of wool in medieval Europe.
Medieval Atlas - Maps of England - Medieval English History in Maps
An index of maps that depict England throughout the Middle Ages.
An index of maps that depict England throughout the Middle Ages.
The Bad Old Days - Weddings
Whether or not brides bathed more than once a year, and why they carried flowers at their weddings. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Whether or not brides bathed more than once a year, and why they carried flowers at their weddings. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Civilization of Renaissance
The complete text of the Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy by Jacob Burckhardt. A public-domain document online here at the Medieval History site.
The complete text of the Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy by Jacob Burckhardt. A public-domain document online here at the Medieval History site.
The Great Mortality, Part 1
What was the Black Death, and why should we study it?
What was the Black Death, and why should we study it?
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus made a historic voyage in 1492, searching for a westward route to the treasures of the east and instead encountering a new world.
Christopher Columbus made a historic voyage in 1492, searching for a westward route to the treasures of the east and instead encountering a new world.
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz - Question One
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz Question 1 Contemporary chroniclers tended to exaggerate the number of
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz Question 1 Contemporary chroniclers tended to exaggerate the number of
Alexius Comnenus
Alexius Comnenus was emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire at the time of the First Crusade.
Alexius Comnenus was emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire at the time of the First Crusade.
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz
Fifteen questions about the dreadful epidemic of the fourteenth century, the disease that caused it, and the strange events that it triggered.
Fifteen questions about the dreadful epidemic of the fourteenth century, the disease that caused it, and the strange events that it triggered.
The Chaucer Quiz
Shell for testing HTML code and text.: geoffrey chaucer quiz script quick quiz script src text javascript
Shell for testing HTML code and text.: geoffrey chaucer quiz script quick quiz script src text javascript
Joan of Arc Picture Gallery
Manuscript images, statues, post-medieval portraits and other images associated with Joan of Arc, the Maid of Lorraine.
Manuscript images, statues, post-medieval portraits and other images associated with Joan of Arc, the Maid of Lorraine.
King John of England
During his reign, King John of England was forced to sign the Magna Carta and lost most of England's possessions in France.
During his reign, King John of England was forced to sign the Magna Carta and lost most of England's possessions in France.
King Henry VII of England
Henry Tudor became King Henry VII of England after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Henry Tudor became King Henry VII of England after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Harold Godwinson - King Harold II of England
King Harold Godwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.
King Harold Godwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.
An Insidious Spread
A map depicting the spread of the Black Death in Europe from July to December, 1348
A map depicting the spread of the Black Death in Europe from July to December, 1348
Medieval Christmas Traditions
Christmas traditions that began or evolved during the Middle Ages.
Christmas traditions that began or evolved during the Middle Ages.
The Medieval Child, Part5
The fifth in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part 5 examines education during adolescence.
The fifth in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part 5 examines education during adolescence.
The Medieval History Starter Quiz - Question One
The Medieval History Starter Quiz Question 1 There are no precise, incontrovertible dates to define the
The Medieval History Starter Quiz Question 1 There are no precise, incontrovertible dates to define the
Donatello Sculpture Gallery
A selection of sculptures and carvings by the master of Renaissance sculpture, Donatello.
A selection of sculptures and carvings by the master of Renaissance sculpture, Donatello.
Harald Bluetooth
Harald is credited with unifying Denmark under one rule.
Harald is credited with unifying Denmark under one rule.
Bailiff
There are several different uses of the term Bailiff in the Middle Ages.
There are several different uses of the term Bailiff in the Middle Ages.
Top Books about Templar Knight
Your Guide's choices for the best books that offer factual historical information about the Templar Knights, the warrior monks of the Crusades.
Your Guide's choices for the best books that offer factual historical information about the Templar Knights, the warrior monks of the Crusades.
Bishop
Bishops performed administrative duties as well as the duties of a priest.
Bishops performed administrative duties as well as the duties of a priest.
Manufacturing Cloth from Wool
How a wide variety of wool cloth was manufactured in the Middle Ages, from sorting the wool to the finishing stages.
How a wide variety of wool cloth was manufactured in the Middle Ages, from sorting the wool to the finishing stages.
The Bad Old Days - Floors
Dirt floors and the use of straw in the Middle Ages. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Dirt floors and the use of straw in the Middle Ages. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
General Knowledge Quiz III - Medieval History
Medieval History General Knowledge Quiz III Sorry, but this quiz requires that you have javascript turned
Medieval History General Knowledge Quiz III Sorry, but this quiz requires that you have javascript turned
The Forgotten Empire
After Rome fell, Byzantium lasted another thousand years. A brief look at a forgotten empire.
After Rome fell, Byzantium lasted another thousand years. A brief look at a forgotten empire.
Medieval History Quizzes from Your Guide
Quizzes about medieval topics devised by your Guide
Quizzes about medieval topics devised by your Guide
Raphael Sanzio - Extraordinary Renaissance Artist
Raphael Sanzio is considered by many to have produced some of the world's most beautiful paintings. .
Raphael Sanzio is considered by many to have produced some of the world's most beautiful paintings. .
Alchemy
In the narrow sense of the word, alchemy is the pretended art of making gold and silver, but in its wider and truer significance it stands for the chemistry of the middle ages.
In the narrow sense of the word, alchemy is the pretended art of making gold and silver, but in its wider and truer significance it stands for the chemistry of the middle ages.
Silk
The use of silk in the Middle Ages.
The use of silk in the Middle Ages.
Knight Life Table of Contents
An index to the issues of Knight Life, our series about the daily life of the medieval knight.
An index to the issues of Knight Life, our series about the daily life of the medieval knight.
Young King Henry VIII
Portrait of Henry VIII in early manhood by an unknown artist.
Portrait of Henry VIII in early manhood by an unknown artist.
Amerigo Vespucci
Amerigo Vespucci is the navigator and explorer for whom two continents are named.
Amerigo Vespucci is the navigator and explorer for whom two continents are named.
Clip Art Castles
Castle graphics, icons, castle images, towers, walls,castle clip art
Castle graphics, icons, castle images, towers, walls,castle clip art
Hildegard of Bingen Quotes
Quotations written by German abbess, composer and mystic Hildegard of Bingen.
Quotations written by German abbess, composer and mystic Hildegard of Bingen.
Otto the Great - Holy Roman Emperor
Emperor Otto the Great consolidated the German Reich and made significant advances for secular influence in papal politics.
Emperor Otto the Great consolidated the German Reich and made significant advances for secular influence in papal politics.
Europe on the Eve of Plague
A map depicting the political boundaries of nations in Europe in the year 1346, from your Guide.
A map depicting the political boundaries of nations in Europe in the year 1346, from your Guide.
Chains
When ancient society evolved into medieval society, slavery didn't disappear.
When ancient society evolved into medieval society, slavery didn't disappear.
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz - Question Two
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz Question 2 The particular epidemic of the fourteenth century originated
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz Question 2 The particular epidemic of the fourteenth century originated
C.E.
The initials C.E. stand for Common Era, a relatively new nomenclature for our current, most common dating system. A definition from your Guide.
The initials C.E. stand for Common Era, a relatively new nomenclature for our current, most common dating system. A definition from your Guide.
About Who's Who
A resource to help you find information on the web and off about significant individuals from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
A resource to help you find information on the web and off about significant individuals from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Germany - The Thirty Years' War - The Peace of Westphalia
Online text of the History of Germany; public domain document that you may copy, download, print and distribute as you see fit. Page Sixteen: The Thirty Years' War: The Peace of Westphalia.
Online text of the History of Germany; public domain document that you may copy, download, print and distribute as you see fit. Page Sixteen: The Thirty Years' War: The Peace of Westphalia.
General Histories
A general reference of the Middle Ages is a must-have for medieval history buffs and students alike. Each of these introductory works provides a sound starting point for what you need to know about this much-misunderstood time.
A general reference of the Middle Ages is a must-have for medieval history buffs and students alike. Each of these introductory works provides a sound starting point for what you need to know about this much-misunderstood time.
Famous Medieval Couples
A survey of some of the most famous -- and not-so-famous -- couples in Medieval and Renaissance history and fiction.
A survey of some of the most famous -- and not-so-famous -- couples in Medieval and Renaissance history and fiction.
The Truth of Arthur
Was he a real historical figure or just a myth? Can we ever know? An introduction to the historicity of King Arthur, from your guide.
Was he a real historical figure or just a myth? Can we ever know? An introduction to the historicity of King Arthur, from your guide.
Star Chamber
The Court of Star Chamber evolved from the medieval English king's council as a supplement to common-law courts, but though it served swift justice, it was subject to abuses.
The Court of Star Chamber evolved from the medieval English king's council as a supplement to common-law courts, but though it served swift justice, it was subject to abuses.
Medieval Atlas - Maps of Constantinople - Byzantine Capital City in Maps
A selection of maps depicting Constantinople in Medieval times.
A selection of maps depicting Constantinople in Medieval times.
Leif Ericsson
A profile of Leif Ericsson, the Scandinavian explorer who visited North America around the year 1000. Leif also governed Greenland and was a devout convert to Christianity.
A profile of Leif Ericsson, the Scandinavian explorer who visited North America around the year 1000. Leif also governed Greenland and was a devout convert to Christianity.
The Bad Old Days - Porridge
Medieval peasant pottage and the peas porridge rhyme. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Medieval peasant pottage and the peas porridge rhyme. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Hide
The hide was a unit of land in Anglo-Saxon England and in England after the Norman Conquest.
The hide was a unit of land in Anglo-Saxon England and in England after the Norman Conquest.
The Bad Old Days - Tomatoes
Why tomatoes were sometimes considered poisonous in the late Middle Ages. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Why tomatoes were sometimes considered poisonous in the late Middle Ages. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Frequently Asked Medieval History Questions
Frequently asked questions about medieval history, from your About.com Guide
Frequently asked questions about medieval history, from your About.com Guide
King Henry IV of England
King Henry IV of England usurped the English crown from Richard II, beginning the Lancastrian dynasty and planting the seeds of the Wars of the Roses.
King Henry IV of England usurped the English crown from Richard II, beginning the Lancastrian dynasty and planting the seeds of the Wars of the Roses.
Vlad Dracula
The 15th-century Prince of Wallachia, Vlad Dracula, was known for his fierce defense of his homeland against the Turks and for his brutality.
The 15th-century Prince of Wallachia, Vlad Dracula, was known for his fierce defense of his homeland against the Turks and for his brutality.
Peter the Hermit
Also known as known as Cucu Peter, Little Peter or Peter of Amiens, Peter the Hermit preached Crusade in the wake of Urban's speech at Clermont.
Also known as known as Cucu Peter, Little Peter or Peter of Amiens, Peter the Hermit preached Crusade in the wake of Urban's speech at Clermont.
Louis I
Louis was the son of Charlemagne, and the only designated heir to survive his father.
Louis was the son of Charlemagne, and the only designated heir to survive his father.
The Bad Old Days - Canopy Beds
The real development of canopy beds in medieval Europe. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
The real development of canopy beds in medieval Europe. Part of your Guide's refutation of the infamous Bad Old Days net hoax.
Welcome to the Middle Ages!
An introduction to Medieval History and the marvelous subjects it includes.
An introduction to Medieval History and the marvelous subjects it includes.
Renaissance Poetry: William Shakespeare
A poem from the Renaissance era by William Shakespeare, from your Mining Co. Guide
A poem from the Renaissance era by William Shakespeare, from your Mining Co. Guide
Abbot
An explanation of an Abbot's role and the origin of the term.
An explanation of an Abbot's role and the origin of the term.
The Knights Hospitaller
The Hospitallers were a monastic brotherhood of knights who both tended to ill and injured pilgrims and took up arms to protect them on their way to the Holy Land.
The Hospitallers were a monastic brotherhood of knights who both tended to ill and injured pilgrims and took up arms to protect them on their way to the Holy Land.
King Philip IV of France
Philip the Fair is well known for his troubles with the papacy.
Philip the Fair is well known for his troubles with the papacy.
The Medieval Child, Part 4
The fourth in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part 4 examines play, chores, socialization, and discipline for youngsters of ages four to twelve.
The fourth in a series of articles exploring the status and daily life of children in the Middle Ages, Part 4 examines play, chores, socialization, and discipline for youngsters of ages four to twelve.
Books about Medieval Knights
An accurate picture of the medieval knight is not easy to draw. Here are books that succeed in separating fact from fantasy and in providing a fairly clear look at the historical knight of the Middle Ages.
An accurate picture of the medieval knight is not easy to draw. Here are books that succeed in separating fact from fantasy and in providing a fairly clear look at the historical knight of the Middle Ages.
Saladin
Salah Ad-din Yusuf Ibn Ayyub, or Saladin, was the most famous Muslim hero and a consummate military tactician
Salah Ad-din Yusuf Ibn Ayyub, or Saladin, was the most famous Muslim hero and a consummate military tactician
Copernicus
Though he wasn't the first scientist to propose that the Earth revolved around the sun, his support of the theory would have far-reaching effects.
Though he wasn't the first scientist to propose that the Earth revolved around the sun, his support of the theory would have far-reaching effects.
Four Evangelist Symbols
Public-domain images of the Four Evangelist Symbols from the Book of Kells, free for your use, here at the Medieval History site.
Public-domain images of the Four Evangelist Symbols from the Book of Kells, free for your use, here at the Medieval History site.
Types of Fowl
The birds that were cooked and consumed by people in the Middle Ages.
The birds that were cooked and consumed by people in the Middle Ages.
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz - Question Four
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz Question 4 Where was the first recorded instance of the Black Death in
The Diabolical Black Death Quiz Question 4 Where was the first recorded instance of the Black Death in
David in Bronze
Sculpture of the David in Bronze by Donatello
Sculpture of the David in Bronze by Donatello