Given the vast timeline and myriad of topics covered in the medieval period, it’s often difficult to determine which books should be at the top of your bookshelf. If someone asked you for a list of five works that are essential for every medievalist to read — no matter the… Read More »Discussion Topic: Top Five Foundational Books of Medieval History
Also known as the Battle of Legnica Armies involved: The Mongols vs. the armies of Poland and the Teutonic Knights In late March of 1241, the Mongol army, under the commands of Hordu (eldest grandson of Chinggis Khan) and Peta, swept down through southern Poland and ambushed a division of… Read More »Famous Battles in Medieval History: The Battle of Liegnitz
Last week, I reviewed Helen Hollick’s The Kingmaking. I also had the privilege of interviewing Helen about her latest novel. 1. When did you first start working on your novel? So long ago I can’t remember! It took me ten years to produce what turned out to be The Kingmaking,… Read More »Interview with Helen Hollick, Author of The Kingmaking
On this date, March 5th, in medieval history: 1133 – Birth of King Henry II of England 1324 – Birth of David II, King of Scotland 1326- Birth of Louis I (The Great), King of Hungary *image is of Henry II, King of England
The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (March 2009) Paperback: 592 pages ISBN: 1402218885 It is the time of post-Roman Britain. The Roman armies have fled from the island, leaving England alone in a power vaccum to decide its own fate. Rivalries compete for the throne, British against British, and with… Read More »Review of The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick
I’m sure a lot of readers of this blog share my interest in the medieval period, but I’m curious as to what other periods in history you find interesting? Personally, I enjoy studying ancient civilizations (Rome, Greece, Egypt, the Ancient Americas, etc.) and the art/structures or lost worlds left behind… Read More »What Historical Period(s) Interests You (aside from medieval history)?
Atlas of the Medieval World by Rosamond McKitterick Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Oxford University Press (2004) ISBN: 0195221583 With close to 100 maps, Atlas of the Medieval World provides the reader with an expansive view of medieval Europe with the occasional glimpse into Southeast Asia, Iceland/Greenland, and the Middle East.… Read More »Review of Atlas of the Medieval World by Rosamond McKitterick
On this date, February 17th, in medieval history: 1461 – The Second Battle of St. Albans: One of the battles fought during the Wars of the Roses. On this particular day, the Lancastrian army led by the Queen Margaret of Anjou defeated the Yorkist faction led by the Earl of Warwick.… Read More »Medieval Timeline: Today in Medieval History
Metal Body Suits vs. Weapons of Medieval Destruction discusses the evolution of armor through the Middle Ages. While it is a very brief overview — focusing more on late medieval plate armor — the article does provide a host of images to supplement the text. The focus of my studies… Read More »Suits of Armor in Medieval History