The 14th Century Military Revolution
The nature of warfare changed in the 14th C as battles moved from being won by knights, to being won by the effective...
The Viking Expansion
Historians have theorized a number of factors contributing to the Viking expansion from the 8th to 11th centuries.
Most historians place the onset of...
WIlliam Marshal, the Greatest Knight
William Marshal has been described as the greatest knight to have lived. His success on the field of battle and tournament is legendary.
Many...
The Florence Baptistery
No building in Florence is nearly as iconic as the Baptistery of St. John, located in both the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza...
Real-Life Origins of Vampire Myths
Before Twilight, before Dracula, vampires were common in folklore. Many of the traits known today are based on true stories of the supposed...
The Parish Church in Medieval Times
The medieval church was as much a part of the community as the market or baker’s shop. For those who practised Christianity, the church...
Swords, Kings, Knights and Warriors
Weapons with metal blades first came about as part of the "cutting edge technology" of the Bronze Age.
Throughout Europe and Asia, men found...
Capital Crimes and Punishment – Medieval Execution Methods
Modern methods of execution have at times been referred to as "cruel and unusual punishment". This article reviews ancient and medieval execution methods.
There...
Royal Authority in Visigothic Spain
The Visigoth Crown was dependent on the Spanish Church and the Visigoth Nobility for its Authority, a relationship that weakened the Crown and...
The Use of the Ass, Mule and Horse in Medieval Travel
Whether travelling singly, or in a group, the medieval traveller often used pack animals either to carry luggage, or to ride upon.
The Ass as...