The Medieval Podcast

One of the fun things about humans is our constant desire to engage with the supernatural, especially when it comes to getting a peek at the future. From reading bones, to tea leaves, flower petals, or online horoscopes, we can't help but look for a little bit of certainty in an uncertain world - and a little bit of magic. This week, Danièle speaks with Anne Lawrence-Mathers about medieval astrology, palm reading and the magic way to get a university education in just a fraction of the time.This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, please visit patreon.com/themedievalpodcast

If you’re going to be a writer, it’s best to find yourself in a place where there’s plenty to write about, and fifteenth-century Italy was definitely one of those places. For a young member of the powerful Alberti family, it was the perfect place to study everything from law, to theology, to architecture, and to write it all down to educate - and to entertain. This week, Danièle speaks with David Marsh about Leon Battista Alberti's life and writing, in and around the great figures of fifteenth-century Italy.This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, please visit patreon.com/themedievalpodcast

Songs have a way of making us see and feel things unlike other forms of writing, which is why so many of us treasure the words of lyricists. And when it comes to early Christianity, no songs were more treasured and influential than those of Romanos. This week, Danièle speaks with Thomas Arentzen about the life and works of Romanos the Melodist, why his work is so important to the history of Christianity, and how this legendary lyricist wrote about women.This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, please visit patreon.com/themedievalpodcast

Explore the fascinating link between modern icons like Marilyn Monroe and medieval beauty standards. Discover how ideals of fairness, pear-shaped figures, and facial features shaped perceptions of attractiveness. Danièle dives into historical hair dyeing practices and cosmetic remedies from the Trotula manuscript. She also discusses the moral implications of beauty practices in medieval times, alongside research that shows how attractiveness impacts social perceptions today. Reflect on how today's beauty norms echo those of the past.

Join Peter Konieczny, the editor of Medievalist.net and a seasoned commentator on medieval news, as he reflects on the whirlwind of 2025. They delve into the exciting two-year restoration of the Très Riches Heures manuscript and the controversy surrounding the Cambodia-Thailand temple dispute. Peter shares insights into the collapse of Rome's 13th-century Torre dei Conti and the historical significance of Harvard's re-dated Magna Carta. Plus, a discussion on the Bayeux Tapestry's upcoming loan to the British Museum makes for a captivating listen!

In this enlightening discussion, Alexander L. Kaufman, a noted scholar and professor, delves into the fascinating evolution of Robin Hood's legend, particularly his unexpected connection to Christmas. From his origins as a yeoman outlaw to becoming a beloved pantomime character, Kaufman explores how Robin transformed into a symbol of generosity across eras. He reveals quirky tales, including Robin's whimsical encounter with Santa Claus and his role in Victorian holiday traditions, making him a staple of Christmas cheer.

Love him or hate him, it’s hard to take one step into the medieval world without running into the larger-than-life figure of Richard the Lionheart. Rebel, crusader, prisoner, castle-builder Richard is one of the most colourful and quotable kings of the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Heather Blurton about how Richard’s contemporaries saw him, the wild stories told about him in the later Middle Ages, and why we still just can’t get enough of this controversial king.You can support this podcast at https://www.patreon.com/medievalistsThis podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, please visit patreon.com/themedievalpodcast

In the last twenty years, the shadowy Assassins of the medieval Middle East have seen a serious resurgence in popularity. And yet, like so many medieval people and groups, it’s still hard to tell the legend from the reality - and that’s just the way the Assassins wanted it. This week, Danièle speaks with Steve Tibble about who the Assassins were, what tactics they used in the Middle Ages, and what this legendary order stood for.You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalistsThis podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, please visit patreon.com/themedievalpodcast

Peter Konieczny, editor of Medievalists.net, shares insights on the best medieval books of 2025. He delves into Faye Tibble's reinterpretation of the Crown of Thorns and its artistic significance. Discover how Robert A. Wood’s work on wills sheds light on medieval life, while Richard Cassidy’s guide to pipe rolls proves invaluable. Danièle discusses Caroline Dunn's research on the careers of ladies-in-waiting. The conversation also touches on a new translation of Gilles Le Bouvier’s observations and a fascinating study of Muslims in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

In this fascinating discussion, Ayoush Lazikani, a lecturer and author specializing in medieval contemplative texts, explores the moon's enchanting role across cultures in the Middle Ages. From celestial spheres to lunar deities, he delves into how the moon influenced everything from love poetry to medical beliefs. The conversation touches on the symbolic duality of the moon as both a companion and a site of solitude, along with its portrayal in stories of exile. Ayoush also highlights the practical uses of moon lore in daily life, emphasizing the diverse medieval perspectives on this celestial body.