Gone Medieval How the Wind Blew Up The Middle Ages
12 snips
Nov 18, 2025 
In this captivating discussion, bestselling author Simon Winchester dives into the profound cultural and historical significance of wind. From its vital role in agriculture and health to its divine interpretations, he reveals how medieval civilizations both harnessed and feared this natural force. Winchester shares fascinating anecdotes about Viking navigation, monastic observations, and the impact of winds on major historical events. With insights into ancient meteorological knowledge and the interplay of wind and human behavior, this conversation uncovers the unseen influence of wind in our past.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Wind As A Cultural Force
- Medieval societies read wind like scripture, linking breezes to fate, gods, and practical life.
- Simon Winchester argues wind shaped politics, religion, and daily medieval decisions.
First Written Winds
- Sumerian cuneiform first recorded a dedicated wind word and glyph, then Egyptians and Chinese adapted visual wind symbols.
- Winchester traces the linguistic and pictorial evolution across early civilizations.
Wind In Medieval Agriculture
- Medieval agriculture depended on wind for threshing and winnowing to separate grain from chaff.
- Winchester explains barn orientation and use of prevailing westerlies in grain processing.
