Medieval England and Vikings: The Culmination of the Viking Influence on England, Part 4
The result of the disagreement over the crown led England into two decisive battles, one with an outlawed earl and the Norwegian Vikings, and...
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...
Life in a Peasant Household in Medieval Times
The medieval peasant is often believed to have led an idyllic existence, with a healthy country lifestyle, hearty food, and his own house and...
St Augustine and his Mother Monica
The early life of St Augustine was a 4th Century example of Christ’s Prodigal Son. This profligate schoolmaster of eleven years left his Christian...
The Medieval Book of Hours: A Devotional Text in the Middle Ages
Each Book of Hours, because it was created individually, was unique. A simple Book of Hours, for example, belonging to a monk or nun...
Commoners of Medieval Europe
The lowest members of society, the medieval commoners of Europe were broken down into two classes each with individual ranks and titles.
The medieval...
Celibacy in the Early Middle Ages
Clerical celibacy in the Roman Catholic Church is usually traced to the 4th Century CE and was subsequently strengthened and reaffirmed by the papacy....
Pelagius, The Welsh Monk: An Understanding of the Pelagian Heresy
Pelagius was a monk who challenged the great machine of the Roman Catholic Church. His beliefs and followers were so wide spread that he...
Sources of Income for the Medieval Monastery
A medieval monastery is traditionally seen as a place of solitude and spirituality. Despite the individual poverty of monks, a monastery could be...
Rings Were Prizes in Medieval England
Usually kings gave a purse of money at jousting tournaments, but in one case at least, ruby and diamond rings held a knights eye....