Feudalism in the Early Middle Ages
Feudalism, as a generalization, describes those forces in Western Europe during a period of transformation following the dissolution of the Roman Empire. The so-called...
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....
Significance of Graduation Regalia
The cap and gown is considered standard dress for graduates at commencement ceremonies. The outfit has an interesting meaning and contains lots of...
History of Valentine Cards
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and soon men, women, and children of all ages will pick out valentines to send to their...
The Making of Catholic Saints in the Middle Ages
Medieval beatification and canonization were not always bestowed from Rome, holiness was recognized by communities and authorised by local bishops.
As attested to by...
The Council of Clermont
Pope Urban the Second set in motion the First Crusade with his incendiary call to arms at Clermont in 1095.
The Council of Clermont,...
Correct Terms for the Study of the Medieval
Middle Ages, Medieval Times - What's the Difference?
What terms are appropriate in what contexts when discussing all things medieval? In this article, the most...
The Christmas Tradition of Wassailing
The word “wassail” originates from the Anglo-Saxon “waes hael” which means “to be whole or hale” and the phrase “hale and hearty” comes from...
The Glossators: The Revival of Roman Law in The High Middle Ages
The story of the rediscovery of Roman law by the Italian scholars of the High Middle Ages and their devotion to the Corpus Iuris...
Gregory the Great Leads Western Europe into the Middle Ages
Pope Gregory I is characterized as a superb administrator and pastor whose endeavors included extensive missionary activity among Europe's pagan tribes.
Gregory the Great became...
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Faithless Electors
We will know on election night in November, or early the next morning, who will be our next President. But in reality, that is...
Teachers in the White House
Education is a major issue in the current election campaign. Many of our past presidents had first-hand experience in the education field. Some were...
Pets in the White House
In the next election, we will choose the next occupants of the White House. But we will not choose all of them. Those we...