Charles Martel (b. 688 – d. 741) was the founder of the Carolingian dynasty and ruler of the Franks during the early 8th century. He was born near Liege around 688 to Pepin II of Heristal and Pepin’s mistress Alpaide. Tested militarily in his youth, Charles fought against his half-brothers… Read More »Great Military Leaders in Medieval History: Charles Martel
On this date, November 12th, in medieval history: 607 – Death of Boniface III 1035 – Death of Canute the Great (or Cnut or Knut), norse king of England and Norway and Denmark (and parts of Sweden); he ruled England from 1016 – 1035 *Note: image is of a silver… Read More »Medieval Timeline: Today in Medieval History
I’m hoping to keep up a regular segment of famous battles in medieval history. These posts are intended to be short summaries of the battles and the circumstances surrounding the event, nothing too lengthy. The first battle is the Battle of Fontenay, fought on June 25, 841, in eastern France.… Read More »Famous Battles in Medieval History: The Battle of Fontenay
Ancient and Medieval History Online is a database of information covering various civilizations, including: ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, medieval Europe, ancient America, and medieval and ancient Asia, among others. The site includes biographies, events and topics, primary sources, timelines, images and videos, and maps and charts. This seems… Read More »Ancient and Medieval History Online
The 2008 World Fantasy Award winners have been announced. The awards include the following categories in fantasy writing and fantasy art: Novel, Novella, Short Story, Anthology, Artist, and Collection. Novel *winner – Ysabel Guy Gavriel Kay [Viking Canada/Penguin Roc] Territory Emma Bull [Tor] Fangland John Marks [Penguin Press] Gospel of the Knife Will Shetterly… Read More »2008 World Fantasy Award Winners
On this date, November 6th, in medieval history: 1282 – The Battle of Moel-y-Don (or The Battle of Menai Strait): Llewelyn II defeats the English army 1429 – Henry VI crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, a month before his eighth birthday
Michael Crichton passed away yesterday at age 66 after a “courageous and private battle against cancer,” according to his public relations firm’s news release. When I heard the news, I was completely surprised, as I hadn’t even known that he was sick. This comes as depressing news, for I greatly… Read More »A Farewell to Michael Crichton
On this date, October 31st, in medieval history: 1147 -Robert, the Earl of Gloucester, dies 1517 – Martin Luther presents his “95 theses” to the Catholic Church, which he may or may not have posted on the door of the castle church at Wittenburg (scholars and historians debate this point)
The Medieval Fortress: Castles, Forts, And Walled Cities Of The Middle Ages by J.E. Kaufmann and H.W. Kaufmann is one of the most comprehensive, detailed books on castle architecture in the medieval period. The book is split into five major sections: Elements of Medieval Fortifications, Early Medieval Fortifications, The Age… Read More »Review of The Medieval Fortress: Castles, Forts, And Walled Cities Of The Middle Ages